President Donald Trump on Friday officially unveiled his new Air Force One jet that was contentiously given to him by the Qatari government, declaring it would be used during a ceremonial flyover in Washington on July 4 to mark the 250th anniversary of the United States.
Trump welcomed the delivery of the luxurious Boeing 747 in an appearance at Joint Base Andrews just outside Washington that began with him exiting the aircraft and walking down the steps.
Decked out in a red, white and dark-blue blue color scheme — a departure from the lighter blue on the previous model — the jet is set to be used by Trump during events marking the nation’s landmark anniversary.
“Nobody tops this one, and that’s the way we have to have it for our country. Nobody even comes close,” Trump said.
The jet will lead a flyover — “the likes of which we’ve never seen before,” Trump said — involving various other military planes on July 4.
He repeatedly praised the plane, calling it “the largest and the greatest in every aspect.” It will be a “flying White House at a level of luxury no one has ever seen before,” he added.
Trump indicated that his return journey from the G7 summit in France this week would be the last time he uses the existing fleet.
The plane is estimated to be worth $400 million, but the U.S. government has likely spent substantially more to make it ready for use.
The Qatari government’s involvement led to bipartisan criticism that the gift was inappropriate, raising both security and ethical issues. The project to overhaul the plane, including security upgrades, could cost more than $1 billion, according to aviation experts.
Although it is set to be used by the president for official duties, the White House has said the plane will ultimately be given to Trump’s presidential library foundation when he leaves office.
The Air Force said in a press release Friday that the plane is ready to commence “initial commissioning flights” to ensure it can safely transport the president and enable him to fulfill his duties. The plane, referred to by the Air Force as VC-25B Bridge, is now a “secure, modified executive platform,” the statement said.
The plane will “relieve pressure” on the existing fleet used to transport the president, according to the Air Force.
The Air Force One designation is given to any plane on which the president travels. There are two other planes, both 747 jumbo jets, that are currently used.
