U.S. President Donald Trump on Friday unveiled a modified Boeing 747-8 donated by Qatar as it moves closer to joining the Air Force One fleet.
The aircraft was presented at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland, where Trump described it as one of the most luxurious planes ever built and said it would help modernize presidential air travel.
The jet, which has undergone military modifications, is expected to serve as an interim presidential aircraft while Boeing completes delayed next-generation Air Force One replacements.
Trump said the aircraft would soon undergo final commissioning flights before entering service.
Trump said the upgraded aircraft was needed to keep pace with newer planes used by foreign leaders.
He also confirmed that the aircraft would feature a new red, white, dark blue and gold color scheme that will be applied across future presidential and government transport aircraft.
According to U.S. Air Force officials, the aircraft underwent security, communications and defensive upgrades before approval for presidential use.
Secretary of the Air Force Troy Meink said the service accelerated delivery while maintaining required standards for presidential missions.
Trump announced that the jet is scheduled to lead a large aircraft formation during Independence Day celebrations on July 4 in Washington.
He also said one of the long-serving Boeing 747-200 aircraft used by presidents for more than three decades has completed its final presidential trip and will eventually be placed in a museum.
The Boeing 747-8 was donated by Qatar to the U.S. Department of Defense and has been valued at approximately $400 million.
Its acceptance generated criticism from lawmakers and some political allies of the president, who questioned whether such a high-value gift was appropriate and raised concerns about potential security risks.
Trump rejected those criticisms and defended accepting the aircraft.
The White House has maintained that the arrangement is legal and has said the plane will ultimately be transferred to Trump's presidential library after he leaves office.
The aircraft will serve as a bridge solution while Boeing works to deliver two purpose-built VC-25B presidential jets under a program that remains years behind schedule.
Current projections place delivery of those aircraft in 2028, extending reliance on interim solutions for presidential transport.