Air Force officials say the Qatar-donated Boeing 747 has been modified as a temporary Air Force One and is expected ready for Trump this summer. Trump says the gift saves tax dollars. According to reports, the plane is now being painted red, white, and blue.
Air Force officials say it will serve as a bridge until Boeing delivers two new planes, expected in 2028. The current planes, nearly 40 years old, face replacement delays due to a subcontractor’s bankruptcy and difficulty finding cleared staff, according to reports. The Air Force also leased a 747 from Atlas Air for pilot training and bought two jets from Lufthansa for support.
With replacements delayed until late in his term, Trump has called the situation a complete mess and said Air Force One lacks the luxury of some Arab leaders’ planes. The donated jet, a $400 million ‘palace in the sky’ as described by reports, offers lavish accommodations. However, it is unclear if it includes security features like nuclear hardening or anti-missile systems found on current planes.
The Air Force did not reveal modification costs, but lawmakers estimated they could top $1 billion. Trump plans to donate the plane to a future presidential library after his term.