WASHINGTON — U.S. President Donald Trump on Wednesday took the inaugural flight aboard a Boeing 747-8 donated by the government of Qatar for temporary use as Air Force One, marking the aircraft's first presidential mission as the administration continues to await delivery of delayed replacement aircraft from Boeing.
Trump departed Joint Base Andrews, Maryland, for North Dakota, where he was scheduled to participate in events tied to the opening of the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library and celebrations connected to the United States' 250th anniversary. Before boarding, the president described the aircraft as "the best plane ever built" and thanked Qatar for providing the jet, saying the United States had benefited from the arrangement.
The aircraft, previously operated by Qatar's royal family, was refurbished and modified to meet presidential transport requirements before entering service. Administration officials have said the jet includes upgraded communications and security systems and will serve as an interim presidential aircraft until Boeing completes two long-delayed VC-25B replacements for the aging Air Force One fleet, now expected no earlier than 2028.
The Qatari gift has drawn scrutiny from Democratic lawmakers and some Republicans, who have questioned the ethics, security implications and overall cost of accepting a foreign government aircraft for presidential use. The administration has maintained that the arrangement complies with applicable legal requirements and provides a cost-effective bridge while replacement aircraft remain behind schedule.
The modified jet also features a new exterior paint scheme reflecting Trump's preferred red, white and blue design, replacing the light-blue livery long associated with Air Force One. Interior features from its previous configuration were largely retained while being adapted for official U.S. government operations, according to reports describing the refurbishment.
Boeing has faced years of delays and cost overruns in its program to deliver the next generation of presidential aircraft under a contract awarded during Trump's first term. Those setbacks prompted the administration to pursue the interim aircraft as a temporary solution while the permanent fleet is completed.
The North Dakota trip marked the aircraft's first operational mission carrying a sitting U.S. president. White House officials have said it will remain in service for presidential travel until the new Boeing-built Air Force One aircraft enter the fleet.
