Qatar-donated 'Bridge' Air Force One debuts, carries Trump to North Dakota

July 1, 2026

The Boeing 747-8 acquired from Qatar has officially entered service as the VC-25B "Bridge" presidential aircraft, marking the arrival of a new Air Force One.

First Flight with the President

The aircraft made its official debut on July 1, carrying President Donald Trump from Joint Base Andrews, Maryland, to North Dakota. During the flight, it used the call sign "Air Force One"—the designation given to VC-25 aircraft carrying the President—for the first time.

An earlier vintage VC-25A flew backup trailing behind, using the call sign "SAM," which is standard procedure for Special Air Missions involving VC-25 flights not carrying the President.

Acquisition and Modifications

The Pentagon officially took ownership of the Bridge jet in May 2025. Contractor L3Harris began modifications in September 2025 and completed the work in just 10 months—a pace that stands in stark contrast to the long-delayed official VC-25B program, which is years behind schedule.

The aircraft was a gift to the United States from the Qatari royal family and was equipped at U.S. government expense to meet presidential airlift requirements.

Capabilities and Configuration

Both the new Bridge aircraft and the future VC-25Bs are modified 747-8s, but their requirements differ.

According to a June 19 Air Force press release:

• The Bridge plane is "safe, secure, and equipped with the most advanced technologies necessary to meet the requirements of the presidential mission."
• Requirements were "carefully crafted to prioritize mission over aesthetics."
• Much of the previous Qatari head-of-state interior layout was "minimally changed."
• No risk was taken in security, safety, or mission communications.
• However, "trades" were made on "some of the less commonly used mission sets that Boeing must deliver to support the next 40 years."

Cost

The final cost to modify the Bridge aircraft remains under wraps. Air Force Secretary Troy Meink estimated a year ago that the project would cost less than $400 million, but final costs have not been released.

Audio of this article is brought to you by the Air & Space Forces Association, honoring and supporting our Airmen, Guardians, and their families. Find out more at afa.org.