Trump takes first flight in new Air Force One: 7 things to know about the Qatar-gifted Boeing 747
US President Donald Trump has taken the first official flight aboard the refurbished Boeing 747 gifted by Qatar. Here are seven key facts about the in…
1/7Trump flies on new Air Force One | US President Donald Trump took the first official flight on the refurbished Boeing 747-8 aircraft gifted by Qatar. The jet carried him from Washington to North Dakota for the dedication of the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library. (Image: AP)
2/7Qatar’s gift becomes a bridge aircraft | The aircraft, valued at about $400 million, will serve as a temporary Air Force One until Boeing delivers the next-generation presidential aircraft, which is expected no earlier than 2028, according to US officials. (Image: Reuters)
3/7New colours replace old design | The aircraft has a fresh exterior with a dark navy underside, red, white and gold accents, replacing the light blue design used for decades. Trump said he preferred colours that reflect the American flag.
4/7Luxury interior for presidential travel | The refurbished jet includes wood panelling, plush carpets, lie-flat seats and customised seat belts carrying the presidential seal, according to media reports and images shared by White House officials. (Image: White House/X)
5/7Not all Air Force One systems included | The US Air Force said the aircraft was upgraded to meet core presidential security standards. However, some advanced engineering features planned for the future Air Force One fleet were intentionally omitted due to the accelerated schedule. (Image: Reuters)
6/7Experts see limits to long-distance travel | According to the Associated Press, aviation and defence analyst Jeremiah Gertler of Teal Group said the aircraft appears better suited for domestic travel because it has fewer communications systems and lacks some defensive equipment found on the existing Air Force One fleet. (Image: Reuters)
7/7Temporary role until Boeing delivers | Trump said he plans to use the aircraft for upcoming trips, including the NATO summit in Turkey. The Air Force said the bridge aircraft will help reduce pressure on the ageing presidential fleet until Boeing’s new Air Force One jets enter service. (Image: Reuters)