President Donald Trump has set in motion plans for personal ownership of the Qatar-gifted Boeing 747-8 jet following its conversion into an interim Air Force One. Unveiled on 19 June 2026 at Joint Base Andrews, the aircraft was accepted as a gift from the Qatari government in May 2025 and valued at around $400 million (£302 million). Extensive modifications have increased the cost in taxpayer funds diverted from another major defence programme, have now been completed by L3Harris Technologies.
The jet is intended to bridge the gap until two new purpose-built presidential aircraft from Boeing are delivered, with those projects now expected no earlier than 2028. Trump described the plane during the unveiling as, 'This is considered the world's most luxurious plane.' He thanked the Emir of Qatar for the gesture.
