Qatar-Gifted Interim Air Force One Painted in Trump Livery
The U.S. Air Force confirmed on June 8 that a Boeing 747-8i, gifted by Qatar to serve as an interim "bridge" Air Force One, has been painted in President Trump’s preferred red, white, and blue livery. The aircraft, undergoing final modifications in Texas, is scheduled for summer 2026 delivery. It will fill in while Boeing’s VC-25B replacements face delays until at least 2028. The gift has drawn criticism from Congressional Democrats over ethics and security concerns, though the Air Force says the plane has been cleared of hazards.
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New VC-25B Air Force One to Be Pulled From Service for 'Maxed Out' Upgrades
President Donald Trump confirmed that the U.S. Air Force's new VC-25B Bridge aircraft, a modified Boeing 747-8i gifted by Qatar, will be pulled from service for approximately one month to receive additional upgrades, making its capabilities 'maxed out.' The announcement follows reports that the aircraft lacks the advanced defensive countermeasures, including anti-missile systems, present on the existing VC-25A Air Force One jets. Trump was questioned about the security gap after he unexpectedly swapped to the older VC-25A during a NATO summit in Turkey, reportedly at the urging of the Secret Service amid escalating tensions with Iran. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated the plane is safe but will receive enhancements in the fall. Senators Jeanne Shaheen and Jerry Moran acknowledged known security issues and expressed support for corrective measures. The article also notes an FBI leak investigation into recent reporting on the aircraft's capabilities.
TWZTrump Says Qatar-Gifted 'Bridge' Air Force One to Receive Additional Upgrades Amid Security Concerns
President Donald Trump announced on July 19 that the modified Boeing 747-8, controversially gifted by Qatar and rapidly converted into a presidential transport aircraft known as the 'Bridge' VC-25B, will undergo further upgrades within about a month to 'max out' its capabilities. The announcement follows reported concerns about the aircraft's defensive measures, particularly after Trump flew it to Turkey for a NATO summit in early July. During that trip, Trump unexpectedly switched to an older VC-25A Air Force One after the Secret Service reportedly urged him to do so due to security concerns, amid intelligence indicating Iran had formed a new plan to assassinate Trump. The New York Times reported the Bridge aircraft lacks advanced antimissile capabilities available on older models. The Trump administration subsequently subpoenaed Times journalists over that story. Experts suggest the upgrades may include off-the-shelf antimissile systems but note that a full suite of presidential-level defenses is unlikely within the short timeframe.
Air & Space Forces MagazineTrump Unexpectedly Swaps New Air Force One Jet for Older Aircraft on Trip to British Base
President Donald Trump unexpectedly switched from the new VC-25B Bridge aircraft to an older VC-25A Air Force One jet for his trip from Turkey to RAF Mildenhall in the United Kingdom. The change occurred after Trump ordered new U.S. strikes on Iran from the NATO summit in Ankara. The VC-25B, a modified Qatari-gifted Boeing 747-8i, flew ahead to Mildenhall without Trump. Trump claimed the switch was to allow military personnel to tour the new aircraft, but questions arose about operational security and the defensive capabilities of the Bridge jet. The press pool was instructed to keep window shades closed, and Trump hinted the Bridge aircraft may make additional stops in Europe. The older VC-25A remains in service despite the new jet's delivery.
TWZTrump Unexpectedly Swaps New Air Force One Jet for Older Model During Trip to British Base
President Donald Trump unexpectedly switched from the new VC-25B Bridge aircraft to an older VC-25A Air Force One jet for his flight from Turkey to RAF Mildenhall in the United Kingdom, following the NATO summit. The change, which Trump attributed to allowing troops to tour the new aircraft, has raised questions about operational security, especially after new U.S. strikes on Iran were ordered directly from the summit. The VC-25B, a modified Boeing 747-8i gifted by Qatar, had brought Trump to Turkey but departed without him. The older VC-25A, which served as a backup, was used instead. Press pool members were advised to keep window shades closed, and concerns persist about the defensive and communications capabilities of the new bridge aircraft. The situation underscores heightened tensions with Iran and the need for secure presidential communications during ongoing military operations.
TWZTrump Unexpectedly Swaps New Air Force One Jet for Older Aircraft During Trip to British Base
President Donald Trump unexpectedly switched from the new VC-25B Bridge aircraft to an older VC-25A Air Force One jet for his flight from Turkey to RAF Mildenhall in the United Kingdom, following the NATO summit. The VC-25B, a modified Boeing 747-8i gifted by Qatar, had brought Trump to Turkey but departed without him. Trump claimed the change was 'for old time's sake' and to allow troops to tour the new aircraft. However, the switch raised questions about operational security, especially after new U.S. strikes on Iran were ordered directly from the summit. The press pool was told to keep window shades closed, and concerns persist about the VC-25B's full communications and defensive capabilities. The older VC-25A remains in service despite the new jet's delivery.
TWZTrump Takes Flight in New 'Bridge' Air Force One Donated by Qatar
The new 'Bridge' Air Force One, a Boeing 747-8 donated by Qatar's royal family, made its official debut on July 1, 2026, carrying President Donald Trump from Joint Base Andrews to North Dakota. The aircraft, designated VC-25B, was acquired by the Pentagon in May 2025 and modified by contractor L3Harris in just 10 months—a stark contrast to the delayed official VC-25B program. The Air Force stated the plane is 'safe, secure, and equipped with the most advanced technologies' for presidential missions, with interior changes minimized to prioritize mission over aesthetics. The final modification cost remains undisclosed, though Air Force Secretary Troy Meink estimated it would be under $400 million. A vintage VC-25A flew backup using call sign 'SAM' during the flight.
Air & Space Forces MagazineTrump Takes Flight in New 'Bridge' Air Force One
The new 'Bridge' Air Force One, a Boeing 747-8 donated by the Qatari royal family and modified by L3Harris, made its official debut on July 1, 2026, carrying President Donald Trump from Joint Base Andrews, Maryland, to North Dakota. The aircraft, designated VC-25B, was taken over by the Pentagon in May 2025 and underwent rapid modifications in just 10 months, contrasting with the delayed official VC-25B program. The Air Force stated the plane is 'safe, secure, and equipped with the most advanced technologies' for the presidential mission, with interior changes kept minimal except for security and communications upgrades. The final modification cost, estimated at under $400 million by Air Force Secretary Troy Meink, has not been released. A vintage VC-25A flew backup during the flight.
Air & Space Forces MagazineTrump Takes Flight in New 'Bridge' Air Force One Donated by Qatar
The new 'Bridge' Air Force One, a Boeing 747-8 donated by the Qatari royal family, made its official debut on July 1, 2026, carrying President Donald Trump from Joint Base Andrews to North Dakota. The aircraft, designated VC-25B, was acquired by the Pentagon in May 2025 and modified by contractor L3Harris in just 10 months, a rapid pace contrasting with the delayed official VC-25B program. The interior retains much of the previous Qatari head of state layout, with modifications focused on security, safety, and mission communications. The final cost remains undisclosed, but Air Force Secretary Troy Meink estimated it would be under $400 million. A vintage VC-25A flew backup as standard procedure.
Air & Space Forces MagazineHow Trump's new Air Force One, a luxury jet from Qatar, compares to the outgoing presidential plane
President Donald Trump flew on the new Air Force One, a luxury Boeing 747-8i gifted from Qatar and designated VC-25B Bridge, for the first time on June 19, 2025, landing in North Dakota for the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library dedication. The aircraft, retrofitted with state-of-the-art protective measures and Trump's preferred red, white, and navy blue livery with a waving flag on the tail, is larger, faster, and more fuel-efficient than the outgoing VC-25A. The old plane, a Boeing 747-200B in service since 1990 under President George H.W. Bush, measures 231 feet long with a range of 7,800 miles. The new VC-25B Bridge is 250 feet long, has a range of 8,900 miles, flies at 660 mph, and features gold light fixtures, reclining massage chairs, and gleaming surfaces. Trump called it 'the world's most luxurious plane.' The interim aircraft will serve until Boeing's customized VC-25Bs are completed in 2027 or 2028.
All Content from Business InsiderTrump Flies on New VC-25B Bridge Aircraft for First Time as Air Force One
President Donald Trump flew on the U.S. Air Force's new VC-25B Bridge aircraft for the first time, traveling to North Dakota for the opening of the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library and celebrations marking the 250th anniversary of the United States. The modified Boeing 747-8i, originally gifted by Qatar, was formally accepted by the Air Force less than two weeks ago. The aircraft has been controversial due to its rapid 10-month conversion, questions about its ability to fulfill full Air Force One mission requirements, and its unusual acquisition. L3Harris, which performed the conversion, insists the plane is safe and secure. One of the existing VC-25A aircraft served as a backup. The plane is also expected to fly Trump to Mount Rushmore and participate in July 4th flyovers over Washington, D.C.
TWZVC-25B Bridge Aircraft Makes First Flight as Air Force One with Trump Aboard
President Donald Trump flew for the first time on the U.S. Air Force's new VC-25B Bridge aircraft, a modified ex-Qatari Boeing 747-8i, to North Dakota for the opening of the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library and 250th U.S. anniversary celebrations. The Air Force accepted delivery of the plane less than two weeks ago. The aircraft has been controversial due to its rapid 10-month conversion, questions about its ability to fulfill full Air Force One mission requirements, and the unusual gifting from Qatar. L3Harris, which performed the conversion, insists the plane is safe and secure, including electronic scrubbing for cyber and electronic warfare threats. One of the existing VC-25A aircraft serves as a backup. The plane features a new paint scheme preferred by Trump, departing from the traditional Kennedy-era livery. The VC-25B is intended as a bridge until two fully-equipped VC-25B jets are delivered around the end of the decade.
TWZTrump Flies on New VC-25B Bridge Air Force One for First Time
President Donald Trump flew aboard the U.S. Air Force's new VC-25B Bridge aircraft for the first time, traveling to North Dakota for the opening of the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library and celebrations marking the 250th anniversary of the United States. The highly-modified, ex-Qatari Boeing 747-8i, formally accepted by the Air Force less than two weeks ago, replaces the traditional Kennedy-era livery with a new paint scheme preferred by Trump. The aircraft has been controversial due to its irregular acquisition through a gift from Qatar, questions about its ability to support full Air Force One mission requirements, and a rapid 10-month conversion by L3Harris. Defense contractor L3Harris and U.S. officials insist all security and operational concerns have been addressed, including electronic scrubbing and survivability measures. A backup VC-25A also accompanied the trip. The plane may also take Trump to South Dakota on July 3 and participate in a July 4th flyover over Washington, D.C.
TWZTrump to travel on Qatari-donated Air Force One for first time
President Donald Trump will travel on the new Air Force One aircraft for the first time on Wednesday, visiting North Dakota for the Theodore Presidential Library as part of the U.S. 250th anniversary celebrations. The aircraft, a Boeing 747-8i donated by Qatar in 2025, underwent significant renovations and is currently undergoing commissioning flights to confirm mission-capability. Trump will use the plane for a NATO summit in Ankara, Turkey in early July, and hinted at future travel to China. The new aircraft replaces the aging VC-25A fleet after Boeing's replacement plans (VC-25B) were delayed to 2028 due to supply chain issues. The livery features the red, white, and blue design Trump originally sought in 2018.
Air Force TimesTrump to Travel on Qatari-Donated Air Force One for First Time
President Donald Trump will travel for the first time on the new Air Force One aircraft, a Qatari-donated Boeing 747-8i, on Wednesday to North Dakota for the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library dedication as part of the U.S. 250th anniversary celebrations. The aircraft underwent significant renovations and commissioning flights to ensure presidential suitability. The original VC-25A took its last flight a day before commissioning began. The plane, which sports the red, white and blue livery Trump sought in 2018, will also be used for the early July NATO summit in Ankara, Turkey, and potentially for a trip to China later this year. The commissioning flights have not yet been completed, and a timeline remains unclear. The donation came after delays in Boeing's VC-25B replacement program due to supply chain issues and labor shortages.
Defense NewsTrump to Travel on Qatari-Donated Air Force One for First Time
President Donald Trump will travel aboard the new, Qatari-donated Air Force One aircraft for the first time on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, visiting North Dakota for the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library as part of the U.S. 250th anniversary celebrations. The aircraft, a Boeing 747-8i, underwent significant renovations for presidential use and began commissioning flights over a week prior. The commissioning process, which includes a 'final exam' and an unknown number of flights to confirm mission-capability and safety protocols, has not yet been completed. The new plane replaces aging VC-25A aircraft, as plans for two new VC-25B from Boeing were delayed until 2028 due to supply chain issues and labor shortages. The aircraft features the red, white, and blue livery Trump sought in 2018. Trump also confirmed the plane will be used for a NATO summit in Turkey and hinted at a future trip to China.
Air Force TimesTrump to Travel on Qatari-Donated Air Force One for First Time
President Donald Trump will travel for the first time on the new Air Force One aircraft, a Qatari-donated Boeing 747-8i, on Wednesday to North Dakota for the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library dedication as part of the U.S. 250th anniversary celebrations. The aircraft underwent significant renovations for presidential use and began commissioning flights over a week prior. The original VC-25A used by Trump took its last flight the day before commissioning flights began. The new plane sports the red, white, and blue livery Trump sought in 2018. Trump also confirmed the aircraft will be used for the early July NATO summit in Ankara, Turkey, and hinted at a future trip to China. The commissioning flights are not yet complete, and a timeline remains unclear. The Qatari donation came after delays in Boeing's VC-25B replacement program pushed delivery from 2024 to 2028.
Defense NewsFor the first time, Trump will travel aboard a Qatari-donated Air Force One
President Donald Trump will travel aboard a new Air Force One aircraft, donated by Qatar, for the first time on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, according to the White House. The trip is to North Dakota to visit the Theodore Presidential Library as part of the country’s 250th anniversary celebrations. The aircraft, a Boeing 747-8i previously in Qatari service, underwent significant renovations for presidential use and has begun commissioning flights. The commissioning process is not yet complete, but the White House has confirmed mission-capability for this trip. The plane features the red, white, and blue livery Trump originally sought in 2018. Trump also plans to use the aircraft for a NATO summit in Ankara, Turkey, and hinted at a future trip to China. The original VC-25A aircraft took its last flight the day before commissioning began. Boeing's planned replacement VC-25B aircraft were delayed until 2028 due to supply chain issues.
Military TimesTrump to Travel on Qatari-Donated Air Force One for First Time
President Donald Trump will travel to North Dakota on Wednesday to visit the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library, marking his first use of the new Air Force One aircraft donated by Qatar. The Boeing 747-8i, which underwent extensive renovations for presidential use, began commissioning flights last week but has not yet been fully commissioned into the active executive airlift fleet. The aircraft, painted with the red, white, and blue livery Trump originally sought in 2018, will also be used for an early July NATO summit in Turkey. Trump hinted the plane could be used for a trip to China later this year. The donation came after delays in Boeing's VC-25B replacement program pushed delivery to 2028. One of Trump's original VC-25A aircraft took its final flight just before the new plane's commissioning flights began.
Military TimesTrump to Travel on Qatari-Donated Air Force One for First Time
President Donald Trump will travel for the first time on the new Air Force One aircraft, a Qatari-donated Boeing 747-8i, on Wednesday to visit North Dakota for the country's 250th anniversary celebrations. The aircraft underwent significant renovations to meet presidential standards and is undergoing commissioning flights to confirm mission-capability and safety protocols. The plane, which sports the red, white, and blue livery Trump sought in 2018, will also be used for the early July NATO leaders' summit in Ankara, Turkey, and potentially for a trip to China later this year. The original VC-25A previously used by Trump took its last flight before the commissioning flights began. The new aircraft was necessitated by delays in Boeing's VC-25B replacement program due to supply chain issues and labor shortages.
Defense NewsTrump to Make First Presidential Trip on Qatari-Donated Air Force One to North Dakota
President Donald Trump will travel for the first time on the new Air Force One aircraft, a Boeing 747-8i donated by Qatar, on Wednesday to visit the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library in North Dakota as part of the United States' 250th anniversary celebrations. The aircraft underwent significant renovations to meet presidential standards, including a 'final exam' and commissioning flights to confirm mission-capability and safety protocols. The commissioning flights have not yet been completed, and no timeline has been provided. The new jet, which features the red, white, and blue livery Trump sought in 2018, replaces the aging VC-35A after delays in Boeing's VC-25B replacement program due to supply chain issues. Trump confirmed the plane will also be used for the early July NATO leaders' summit in Ankara, Turkey, and hinted at a trip to China later this year. The old VC-35A took its last flight a day before the commissioning flights began.
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