Air Force says former Qatari 747 will be ready to fly Trump as Air Force One this summer
The U.S. Air Force has completed modifications on a Boeing 747 donated by Qatar and plans to have it ready for President Donald Trump to use as Air Force One this summer. The jet, currently being painted in traditional red, white, and blue, will serve as a temporary replacement while new aircraft are delayed until 2028. Trump has defended accepting the gift as a cost-saving measure and intends to donate the plane to a presidential library after his term.
- ▪The U.S. Air Force finished modifying a Boeing 747 donated by Qatar for temporary use as Air Force One.
- ▪Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth accepted the jet despite ethical, legal, and security concerns over receiving such a costly gift from a foreign nation.
- ▪The current Air Force One planes are nearly 40 years old, and Boeing's new replacements are not expected until 2028 due to prolonged delays.
- ▪The Qatari 747 has luxurious accommodations and is being painted in traditional U.S. colors, but the extent of its security modifications remains undisclosed.
- ▪Trump claims the donated plane will be given to a future presidential library after his presidency, similar to Ronald Reagan's aircraft.
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ABC NewsLiveVideoShowsGood Morning AmericaShopGMAInterest Successfully AddedWe'll notify you here with news aboutTurn on desktop notifications for breaking stories about interest? OffOnStream onAir Force says former Qatari 747 will be ready to fly Trump as Air Force One this summerThe U.S. Air Force has completed modifications to a Boeing 747 jet donated by Qatar for temporary use as Air Force OneByJONATHAN J. COOPER Associated PressMay 1, 2026, 8:45 PM1:55President Donald Trump boards Air Force One at Ocala International Airport, in Ocala Fla., Friday, May 1, 2026, after speaking at an event in The Villages, Fla. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)The Associated PressThe U.S.
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