At Joint Base Andrews in Maryland, President Donald Trump showcased the new Air Force One. The aircraft, formerly owned by Qatar, has been transformed to serve as the U.S. presidential plane. The new design moves away from the traditional robin’s egg blue of its predecessor. Instead, it features an underbelly painted navy blue with a red stripe. On the aircraft’s left side, where the president boards, sits the presidential seal. The tail displays a prominent American flag.
Trump described the plane as a flying White House with unprecedented luxury. Speaking inside the hangar, he addressed several hundred Air Force personnel. He exited the plane to the tune of “God Bless the USA” and later confirmed plans to use the jet for an upcoming NATO summit in Ankara, Turkey. The president also hinted at a return to China for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit.
The old Air Force One saw its last journey as Trump returned from the Group of 7 summit in France. Expressing his satisfaction with the new plane’s design, Trump remarked that the colors reflect his personal taste. The aircraft will also participate in a flyover for the July 4 celebrations. This Qatari jet serves as an interim solution until the new Boeing jets, expected to be available by 2028, arrive. Last year, the U.S. accepted this luxury jet from Qatar amidst questions about the ethics of accepting such a gift. Trump assured that the plane would be donated to a future presidential library after his term ends.
Delays have affected the delivery of new jets from Boeing. Originally slated for 2024, these delays prompted Trump to request a jet from Qatar. He emphasized the need for proper representation of the country, suggesting that a typical president might not actively involve themselves in such matters.
The Air Force emphasized that the new Air Force One maintains rigorous security standards. Significant modifications were made to meet essential security capabilities, costing under $400 million.
The interior largely retains the previous head of state layout. The shift in color scheme began during Trump’s first administration, aligning with his personal aircraft’s design. Although President Joe Biden initially reversed this decision in 2023, citing potential cost increases and delivery delays, Trump reinstated the design upon returning to office. Other government planes will follow a similar color scheme.
An Air Force spokesperson indicated that the existing VC-25A planes would remain in service even as the new Boeing VC-25Bs are introduced. Though the specific use of the older jets is uncertain, both the Qatari plane and the VC-25As will be operationally available, with the Presidential Airlift Group choosing the appropriate aircraft as needed.
According to an update, the name of the base is Joint Base Andrews, not its former name, Andrews Air Force Base.
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