U.S. President Donald Trump has unveiled an upgraded Boeing 747 gifted by Qatar, with the aircraft set to join the Air Force One fleet as an interim presidential jet according to Reuters.
Speaking at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland, Trump described the aircraft as “the world’s most luxurious plane” and said the upgrade was necessary to keep pace with newer aircraft used by foreign leaders.
The jumbo jet, overhauled by defense contractor L3Harris Technologies, features a new red, white, dark blue and gold livery chosen by Trump, replacing the iconic Air Force One design that has been in use for decades. Trump said the new colour scheme would eventually be adopted across the presidential fleet.
L3Harris transformed a 747-8i aircraft into the first VC-25B within 10 months, ensuring continuity of the Presidential Airlift mission as the current VC-25A aircraft age and next-generation aircraft remain under development. To meet this accelerated timeline, the team moved with urgency across three shifts with around-the-clock operations, demonstrating the depth, discipline and commitment required to deliver for the customer.
“Through a trusted, fast-tracked partnership with the Air Force, we have proven that the U.S. defense industrial base can move at maximum velocity when the mission demands it,” said Christopher Kubasik, Chairman and CEO, L3Harris. “L3Harris rose to the challenge, and we are deeply honored to deliver to the Commander-in-Chief a symbol of American strength that meets the nation’s highest standards without compromise.”
L3 Harris said the VC-25B provides the Office of the President with an airborne command post equipped with a new communications system that enables resilient, secure connectivity to respond to global events without disruption. This unprecedented delivery reflects L3Harris’ decision to invest early in the program — ahead of formal demand — so that capacity, talent and production readiness were in place when
The aircraft will serve as a temporary replacement while Boeing completes two purpose-built 747-8 presidential jets under a US$3.9 billion contract signed in 2018. The programme is running four years behind schedule, with delivery now expected in 2028.
Trump said the aircraft will lead what he described as the “biggest flyover in American history” during Independence Day celebrations on July 4.
The acceptance of the luxury jet from Qatar has drawn criticism over its value and security implications. While the cost of the retrofit has not been disclosed, Democratic lawmakers have estimated the conversion could exceed US$1 billion due to extensive communications, security and missile-defence upgrades.
Air Force Secretary Troy Meink defended the accelerated programme, saying the aircraft met presidential security standards and that the safety of the commander-in-chief remained the military’s highest priority.
The upgraded 747 will eventually replace a Boeing 747-200 that has served U.S. presidents for more than 30 years and is expected to be retired to a museum.
