Trump Celebrates America 250 With Qatari-gifted Air Force One Flight

WHO:

CNN - President Trump expressed excitement for the inaugural flight of the new Air Force One.

CNN - The government of Qatar donated the luxury jet to the United States.

WHAT:

CNN - Trump stated, “I’m excited about the first flight,” referring to the inaugural flight of the new Air Force One.

CNN - Trump described the new jet as “the world’s most luxurious plane.”

CNN - The new Air Force One is a heavily modified Boeing 747-200, which has been in service since 1990.

CNN - Three 747-800s are being modified as VC-25Bs to serve as Air Force One, including the Qatari-donated jet.

WHERE:

CNN - The unveiling of the new jet took place at Joint Base Andrews.

WHEN:

CNN - Trump is expected to use the Qatari-donated plane until a new US-built plane is finished in about two years.

WHY:

CNN - Trump remarked that the US “couldn’t build a plane like this” due to the costs involved, indicating that the Qataris spent “top dollars” on the jet.

HOW:

CNN - The new Air Force One has been modified to include security features and various amenities suitable for presidential travel.

(UPDATED July 1, 2026 13:51 UTC)

President Trump expressed his excitement for the inaugural flight of the new Air Force One, a luxury jet donated to the United States by the government of Qatar. He described the aircraft, a heavily modified Boeing 747-200, as “the world’s most luxurious plane” and noted that it includes advanced security features and amenities for presidential travel. Trump is expected to use this Qatari-donated plane until a new US-built aircraft is completed in about two years.