The eagerly anticipated $400 million Air Force One aircraft, a generous donation from the Qatari government, is projected to be fully operational and ready for presidential service by the summer of 2026. This development follows a recent timeline report from The Wall Street Journal, which suggests the new plane could potentially debut as part of the America250 celebrations marking the nation's significant birthday milestone.
A Presidential Design Preference
President Donald Trump has been a vocal advocate for a distinctive red, white, and blue colour scheme for the iconic presidential aircraft. This design represents a significant departure from the traditional 'Jackie Kennedy blue' livery that has adorned the fleet for decades. Trump's vision more closely mirrors the appearance of his private campaign plane, often referred to as 'Trump Force One,' a model of which he frequently showcased to Oval Office visitors during his first term.
In an official statement provided to The Wall Street Journal, the United States Air Force confirmed its commitment, stating it 'remains committed to expediting delivery of the VC-25 bridge aircraft in support of the Presidential airlift mission, with an anticipated delivery no later than summer 2026.'
Recent Incident Highlights Fleet Age
The need for modernisation was underscored earlier this week when a minor mechanical issue forced President Trump to alter his travel plans. One of the larger Air Force One aircraft, a 747 intended to transport the President to Zurich, Switzerland for the World Economic Forum, experienced what the White House described as a 'minor electrical issue' shortly after takeoff from Joint Base Andrews.
The incident necessitated a return to base after approximately an hour in the air, somewhere over New York. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt remarked wryly that the Qatari-donated jet was looking 'much better' following the episode. The President and half of his travelling party subsequently continued their journey to Switzerland aboard the smaller C-32 aircraft, a style of plane more commonly utilised by the Vice President or First Lady.
'The minor mechanical issue proves President Trump is right, and the new Air Force One will be a welcome donation to the United States Air Force, not just for the President, but for the entire AF1 crew,' Leavitt affirmed in her statement to the Journal.
A Long-Standing Ambition
President Trump's pursuit of a new Air Force One fleet dates back to his first term in office, when he inked a deal with Boeing to replace the two ageing 747-200s that currently serve as Air Force One—a designation applied only when the President is on board. These existing aircraft entered service in 1990 and 1991. Despite his efforts and a push for a cost-effective agreement, the planes were not completed by the end of his initial term.
Upon taking office, President Joe Biden reverted the livery design back to the traditional blue and white scheme originally created by industrial designer Raymond Loewy at the request of First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy. However, the delivery of the new aircraft remained pending throughout Biden's presidency.
An Unconventional Acquisition
Following his return to office last January, President Trump devised a novel strategy to secure his desired aircraft. Mere weeks into his second term, he inspected a luxurious Boeing 747-8, previously operated by the Qatari royal family and often characterised as a 'flying palace.' The plane was stationed at West Palm Beach International Airport, which President Trump uses when travelling to his Mar-a-Lago estate.
In a move that raised eyebrows among ethics experts, the Qatari government ultimately gifted this $400 million aircraft to the U.S. Department of Defense. In an unusual post-presidency arrangement, this specific Trump Air Force One is destined for the President's future library, which is planned for construction in downtown Miami, Florida, allowing him to retain a connection to the aircraft after leaving office.
