WASHINGTON — A newly commissioned Air Force One aircraft completed its maiden presidential voyage this week, carrying President Donald Trump from Joint Base Andrews in Maryland to North Dakota on its first operational mission after entering service as an interim executive transport, U.S. officials said.
The aircraft, a modified Boeing 747-8 known as the VC-25B "Bridge," flew on July 1 to transport Trump to events marking the opening of the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library ahead of Independence Day celebrations tied to the United States' 250th anniversary. The flight marked the first time the aircraft operated under the Air Force One call sign while carrying the president.
The U.S. Air Force said the aircraft completed government-directed modifications, testing and commissioning flights before joining the Presidential Airlift Group. Officials described it as a temporary platform intended to supplement the aging VC-25A fleet while Boeing continues work on delayed next-generation presidential aircraft.
The aircraft was originally a Boeing 747-8 formerly operated by Qatar before being transferred to the United States and modified for presidential transport. Air Force officials have said the conversion included secure communications and other mission systems needed for executive travel, although they have not disclosed technical details for security reasons.
The maiden voyage also highlighted a redesigned exterior featuring a navy-blue underside with red and gold striping, replacing the light-blue livery associated with Air Force One for decades. Images released by administration officials showed an updated interior retaining elements from the aircraft's previous configuration while incorporating presidential insignia and security upgrades.
The aircraft's introduction has drawn political and ethical scrutiny because of its origin as a gift from Qatar. Critics, including some lawmakers and ethics experts, have questioned the acceptance of a foreign-donated aircraft for presidential use and raised concerns about security and governance. The Trump administration has defended the arrangement, saying the aircraft underwent extensive U.S. modifications and provides a practical solution while permanent replacement aircraft remain behind schedule.
The Air Force has said the Bridge aircraft is intended to maintain continuity of presidential airlift until the long-delayed replacement VC-25B fleet enters service later in the decade. Officials have not announced changes to the broader modernization program, and the interim aircraft is expected to operate alongside existing executive transport aircraft until the permanent replacements are delivered.
