US President Donald Trump showcased a new Air Force One aircraft on Friday, a luxury jet gifted by Qatar that he hailed as a “flying White House.”
Speaking inside a hangar at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland on June 19, 2026, Trump called the plane “the world’s most luxurious” and thanked the Gulf emirate for “being so nice and providing” it.
The aircraft, valued in the hundreds of millions of dollars, has sparked ethical, constitutional and security concerns. Trump has dismissed the criticism, previously saying it would be “stupid” to reject the gift. He added Friday that the jet would eventually be donated to his presidential library.
“With the extraordinary devotion of many of you here today, this plane was transformed into a flying White House at a level of luxury that nobody’s ever seen before,” Trump said at the unveiling.
Inside the new jet
A pool reporter allowed to tour the aircraft described leather seats, plush carpets, wood paneling, and walls in tan and light brown with gold accents. Patriotic artwork lines the cabin, including a framed print of a duck in the Reflecting Pool, a Washington landmark Trump has pushed to renovate.
Trump repeatedly praised the jet’s size and power. “It flies further and faster than any Air Force One,” he said. He noted the “quality of woods, the quality of the materials, the quality of the engines” and thanked the emir of Qatar.
What changes
The new jet replaces one of two Boeing 747s that have served US presidents since the 1990s. The outgoing aircraft was retired Thursday at the White House, fueling speculation about Friday’s debut.
Unlike the classic blue and white livery, the new aircraft has a navy blue underbelly, red stripe, and white upper body. Trump said it will likely fly over Washington during July 4 celebrations marking 250 years of US independence.
Background
The US government contracted Boeing to deliver two new 747-8s for presidential use, but that program has faced delays and cost overruns. Trump has pushed for replacement aircraft since his first term.
Any plane carrying the US president officially takes the call sign Air Force One.
AFP
