Trump Takes First Flight On Qatar-Gifted Air Force One. Here's What Has Changed

Published 2 July 2026 · world

Trump Takes First Flight On Qatar-Gifted Air Force One. Here's What Has Changed Curated By, Last Updated: July 02, 2026, 09:47 IST Donald Trump debuts

Trump Takes First Flight On Qatar-Gifted Air Force One. Here's What Has Changed Curated By, Last Updated: July 02, 2026, 09:47 IST Donald Trump debuts a Qatar-gifted Boeing 747 800 as temporary Air Force One, featuring a new livery and luxury interior but fewer defensive and communications systems. US President Donald Trump speaks to reporters before boarding Air Force One, Wednesday, July 1, 2026 (Credits: AP) US President Donald Trump flew on his newly refurbished Air Force One for the first time on Wednesday. The Boeing 747-800, gifted by Qatar, will serve as a temporary presidential aircraft until the new Air Force One planes are delivered. The aircraft, valued at around $400 million, is expected to remain in service until Boeing delivers the next generation Air Force One fleet, which is not expected before 2028. New Look And Luxury Interior The aircraft has a noticeably different appearance from the current Air Force One. The familiar light blue exterior has been replaced with a dark navy underside and red and gold stripes, colours preferred by Trump.

Inside, the aircraft features wood panelling, plush carpets, lie flat seats and seat belts bearing the presidential seal, according to reports from journalists who toured the plane. Speaking about the aircraft, Trump said, “You can do two things: You can low key it, or you can show it." Temporary Aircraft The aircraft is not intended to replace the future Air Force One fleet permanently. Instead, it will be used until Boeing delivers the new presidential planes. After returning to the White House last year, Trump inspected the Qatari jet and directed officials to prepare it for presidential travel as quickly as possible, as the new Air Force One programme continues to face delays. Some Features Were Left Out The aircraft was refurbished on a tight timeline, which meant it did not receive all the systems found on the current Air Force One. Images reviewed by the Associated Press suggest the aircraft does not have some of the missile detection and defensive systems fitted on the existing presidential fleet.

It also appears to have fewer communications antennas. The US Air Force said only limited changes were made to the cabin and that it spent less than $400 million on security upgrades. Experts Point To Limitations Jeremiah Gertler, a senior analyst at aviation and defence consultancy Teal Group, said the aircraft appears better suited for domestic travel than long distance international missions. He said the smaller number of communications systems and the absence of some defensive equipment suggest the aircraft was modified quickly rather than being equipped with the full capabilities of the regular Air Force One. May Be Used For NATO Summit Trump has said he plans to use the aircraft when he travels to Turkey next week for the NATO summit. The US Air Force said the aircraft was prepared on an accelerated schedule without compromising safety, security or secure communications. However, it acknowledged that some of the complex engineering work planned for the next generation Air Force One was deliberately left out of this interim aircraft.