The new Air Force One, a former Qatari-owned Boeing 747-8 jet, was unveiled by President Donald Trump on Friday. The aircraft is described as significantly larger and more luxurious than the current presidential jet.
Trump plans to use the new aircraft for next month's NATO summit in Ankara, Turkey, and suggested another trip to China could take place later. The Qatari jet is acting as a 'bridge' aircraft until the new Boeing model arrives in 2028.
The aircraft features warm tan walls, glossy finishes, silver accents, solid wood tables, and presidential seals on every seat belt. The press area is 2-3x the size of the old plane's, and the jet includes lounges with couches, conference areas decorated with photographs of Washington's National Mall, and upgraded seating throughout.
Despite concerns about the morality and legality of accepting a costly gift from a foreign nation, the administration formally accepted the luxury Boeing 747 jet from Qatar last year. The Air Force stated that the Qatari aircraft was modified under a disciplined engineering approach that prioritized security capabilities.
