President Donald Trump celebrated a “Very Big Day” on Thursday after Palm Beach International Airport was officially renamed The President Donald J. Trump International Airport — but before the celebrations, Eric Trump made sure Trump Force One secured a piece of history.
The first aircraft to land after the airport’s official renaming was Trump Force One, the Boeing 757 owned by the Trump Organization, which touched down shortly after 5 a.m. EST.
Eric Trump later told Fox & Friends that he deliberately ensured Trump Force One made the inaugural landing at the newly renamed airport before a United Parcel Service Inc. (NYSE:UPS) aircraft, which is usually the first to arrive.
“There’s no way in hell I was letting …be the first plane to land,” Eric Trump said.
I am deeply honored that at 5:01 a.m., Trump Force One will be the first plane to land at the newly renamed Palm Beach International Airport — now and forever President Donald J. Trump International Airport (DJT).
— Eric Trump (@EricTrump) July 9, 2026
There is no person who has done more for Florida and our country,… pic.twitter.com/MlmYIwv2oZ
Earlier, Eric Trump said he was honored that Trump Force One would be the first aircraft to land at the newly renamed airport “now and forever.” He said his father deserved the honor, added that he was proud to see “DJT” on his boarding pass, and noted that he played a major role in securing the airport’s renaming.
Trump also marked the occasion on Truth Social, calling it a “Very Big Day.” He described the area as “HOT” and the location as “GREAT,” promised a “SPECTACULAR” renovation, and thanked the people of Palm Beach for their vote and confidence.
The renaming followed a bill signed by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis earlier this year, giving the state the authority to rename major commercial service airports. The Florida House and Senate passed the measure by wide margins in what supporters described as a “landmark tribute.”
Airport Code Changes to DJT
The FAA changed the airport’s three-letter identifier from PBI to DJT on Thursday. However, travelers must continue using PBI when booking flights until August 18, when airline reservation systems, tickets, and baggage tags will be updated. The airport said the renaming cost $5.5 million.
JetBlue Airways Corp. (NASDAQ:JBLU) is the largest airline at Palm Beach, while Delta Air Lines Inc. (NYSE:DAL), and American Airlines Group Inc. (NASDAQ:AAL) together operate about two-thirds of all flights at the airport.
Trump’s Florida Ties
It is a significant move, placing Trump’s name on the commercial hub located about four miles from his Mar-a-Lago resort in Palm Beach, which has been his primary residence and political base since leaving the White House. The Palm Beach estate has hosted political events, meetings with world leaders, and campaign activities.
During his presidency, Trump backed several initiatives that impacted Florida. His administration expanded support for NASA’s Artemis program and commercial space launches from the Kennedy Space Center, boosting the state’s Space Coast economy. It also provided federal funding for Everglades restoration and approved disaster aid after hurricanes, including Hurricane Michael. Supporters say the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act benefited Florida businesses and retirees, while his tougher Cuba policy was popular among many South Florida Cuban American voters.
However, critics argue that some environmental and tax policies had mixed effects.
Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
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