THE HALFAX HEIMDALL AUGUR

NPR News Air Force One, gifted to Trump from Qatar, arrives at Joint Base Andrews NPR | By Ava Berger Published June 19, 2026 at 5:01 PM EDT Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Print Alex Wong / Getty Images U.S. President Donald Trump pumps his fist after touring the inside of the newest aircraft in the presidential fleet at Andrews Air Force Base on June 19, 2026 at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland. The newest Air Force One jet, gifted to President Trump from the Qatari government, arrived ahead of schedule on Friday to Joint Base Andrews in Maryland. On Friday afternoon, Trump toured the luxury Boeing 747 plane that initially stirred controversy. The plane was one of the biggest foreign gifts ever received by the U.S. government and raised legal and ethical questions after Qatar offered to replace the presidential jet last year. Trump said last May he'd be "stupid" not to accept the offer. Industry groups originally said the plane could be worth approximately $400 million . Trump also spoke standing in front of the plane, thanking the Emir of Qatar and praising Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. The president praised the workmanship of the plane, describing it as the "…

NPR News Air Force One, gifted to Trump from Qatar, arrives at Joint Base Andrews NPR | By Ava Berger Published June 19, 2026 at 5:01 PM EDT Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Print Alex Wong / Getty Images U.S. President Donald Trump pumps his fist after touring the inside of the newest aircraft in the presidential fleet at Andrews Air Force Base on June 19, 2026 at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland. The newest Air Force One jet, gifted to President Trump from the Qatari government, arrived ahead of schedule on Friday to Joint Base Andrews in Maryland. On Friday afternoon, Trump toured the luxury Boeing 747 plane that initially stirred controversy. The plane was one of the biggest foreign gifts ever received by the U.S. government and raised legal and ethical questions after Qatar offered to replace the presidential jet last year. Trump said last May he'd be "stupid" not to accept the offer. Industry groups originally said the plane could be worth approximately $400 million . Trump also spoke standing in front of the plane, thanking the Emir of Qatar and praising Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. The president praised the workmanship of the plane, describing it as the "…

President Donald Trump speaks to reporters before boarding Air Force One, Wednesday, July 1, 2026, at Joint Base Andrews, Md. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson) By Associated Press PUBLISHED: July 1, 2026 at 9:36 AM EDT | UPDATED: July 1, 2026 at 9:45 AM EDT By JULIA DEMAREE NIKHINSON and JOSH BOAK WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump on Wednesday is taking his maiden voyage on a new Air Force One — a retrofitted Boeing 747 worth $400 million gifted by Qatar that embeds his personality more deeply into the institution of the American presidency. Gone is the trademark light blue hull that helped Air Force One blend into the sky. The refurbished jet is painted to Trump’s preferred color scheme of a navy belly and red and gold stripes. It has the luxury features that the president believes a commander-in-chief’s entourage should have — plush carpets, lie-flat seats, wood paneling and a presidential seal on the seat belts, according to reported tours of the plane. Trump told reporters that he was proud of the luxurious plane. “You can do two things: You can low-key it, or you can show it,” he said. The newly designated Air Force One is ready as President Donald Trump arrives to boa…

White House staff bids farewell to planes used as Air Force One for ... Facebook Twitter WhatsApp SMS Email Facebook Twitter WhatsApp SMS Email Print Copy article link Save Washington, DC (CNN) — After an early Thursday morning landing near Washington, two White House officials posted social media farewells to the heavily modified Boeing 747-200, which has flown as Air Force One since 1990, as the first of three planes being modified for the role is set to be delivered soon. “The last ride,” White House communications director Steve Cheung said sharing a photo of the plane - which the Air Force calls a VC-25A - in a post on X . “Well done, good and faithful servant.” White House Deputy Chief of Staff Dan Scavino posted a video of the aircraft and wrote he has “been fortunate to fly around the world on this iconic plane for 5 1/2 years — of the 35 years it has been serving US presidents… THANK YOU…” Three 747-800s are being modified as VC-25Bs to fill the role of Air Force One, including a luxury jet donated by the government of Qatar to bridge the gap between the old planes and the two additional planes Boeing is modifying that won’t be done for roughly two more years. It’s not cl…

Trump shows off former Qatar-owned jet which has become Air Force One By PA News Agency Share 0 Comments President Donald Trump exits the newly designated Air Force One presidential aircraft (Manuel Balce Ceneta/AP) This article is brought to you by our exclusive subscriber partnership with our sister title USA Today, and has been written by our American colleagues. It does not necessarily reflect the view of The Herald. Donald Trump has shown off the new Air Force One, a formerly Qatari-owned jumbo jet that has been converted into the official US presidential aircraft. The new aircraft eschews the Kennedy-era robin’s egg blue exterior of the old plane for a bolder look, with the underbelly of the plane painted navy blue with a red stripe above it. The plane’s left side, where the president boards, features the presidential seal, while the tail of the aircraft has a massive American flag on it. “The workmanship of this plane is, when you see it, you won’t believe it,” Mr Trump said from inside the massive Andrews Air Force Base hangar, as around two hundred assembled Air Force personnel looked on. He spoke after stepping off the new plane in a dramatic flourish, as…

Trump unveils new Air Force One, a $400 million plane gifted by Qatar Washington — President Trump on Friday unveiled the Boeing 747-8 that will serve as the new Air Force One, providing the first look at the $400 million luxury plane that the U.S. accepted as a gift from the Qatari government last year. Mr. Trump descended the stairs from the hulking jet inside a hangar at Joint Base Andrews, the military post outside Washington that has served as the presidential airport for decades. He greeted Air Force officials and delivered remarks to a crowd of service members. "There will never be one like this. This is very unique. This is considered the world's most luxurious plane," the president said. "When it was built, it was built at a level that will probably never be seen again." President Trump speaks after touring the newly designated Air Force One presidential aircraft at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland on Friday, June 19, 2026. AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta Mr. Trump said the hangar in which he was speaking had to be specially constructed to house the new jet, which is much larger than the previous plane. He added later that the new version will lead a massive flyover of Washing…

Trump unexpectedly switches back to old Air Force One, sidelining ... Audio By Carbonatix By Mike Stone WASHINGTON, July 8 (Reuters) – President Donald Trump said on Wednesday he will fly from Turkey to Britain on an older Air Force One aircraft, an unexpected switch that raised questions about a retrofitted Boeing 747 donated by Qatar that he unveiled only weeks ago as his new presidential jet. The trip to Turkey was the first international trip for the new plane. The switch follows months of scrutiny over the luxury gift intended to serve as a temporary replacement while Boeing struggles to deliver long-delayed next-generation Air Force One planes. Critics questioned the cost, security and pace of the retrofit. Trump said on Truth Social that he would use an older Air Force One plane “for old time’s sake” to fly to RAF Mildenhall in Britain while the new plane visits the same base so U.S. service members stationed there can tour the aircraft. The new plane is a Boeing 747 gifted to the United States by Qatar last year and refitted by defense contractor L3Harris Technologies. The jumbo aircraft has been painted in a red, white, dark blue and gold livery chosen by Trump, m…

President Donald Trump unveils the new Air Force One Trump unveils the new Air Force One, a converted Qatari jet BY Associated Press Washington, D.C. PUBLISHED 4:38 PM ET Jun. 19, 2026 PUBLISHED June 19, 2026 @4:38 PM SHARE ANDREWS AIR FORCE BASE, Md. — President Donald Trump on Friday showed off the new Air Force One, a formerly Qatari-owned jumbo jet that has been converted into the official U.S. presidential aircraft. What You Need To Know President Donald Trump has unveiled the new Air Force One, a formerly Qatari-owned jumbo jet now converted into the official U.S. presidential aircraft The plane features a bold navy blue and red exterior, departing from the traditional robin's egg blue The plane serves as a temporary solution until new Boeing jets arrive, expected in 2028 The Air Force plans to keep the current VC-25As in service alongside the new jet The Trump administration accepted the luxury jet from Qatar despite questions about the ethics and legality of accepting such a gift from a foreign government The new aircraft eschews the Kennedy-era robin's egg blue exterior of the old plane for a bolder look, with the underbelly of the plane painted navy blue with a red strip…

Trump shows off former Qatar-owned jet which has become Air Force One By PA News Agency Share 0 Comments President Donald Trump exits the newly designated Air Force One presidential aircraft (Manuel Balce Ceneta/AP) This article is brought to you by our exclusive subscriber partnership with our sister title USA Today, and has been written by our American colleagues. It does not necessarily reflect the view of The Herald. Donald Trump has shown off the new Air Force One, a formerly Qatari-owned jumbo jet that has been converted into the official US presidential aircraft. The new aircraft eschews the Kennedy-era robin’s egg blue exterior of the old plane for a bolder look, with the underbelly of the plane painted navy blue with a red stripe above it. The plane’s left side, where the president boards, features the presidential seal, while the tail of the aircraft has a massive American flag on it. “The workmanship of this plane is, when you see it, you won’t believe it,” Mr Trump said from inside the massive Andrews Air Force Base hangar, as around two hundred assembled Air Force personnel looked on. He spoke after stepping off the new plane in a dramatic flourish, as…

White House Officials Hint That VC-25A 92-9000 Just Flew its Last ... Air Force One and Air Force Two are parked on the flightline at Dobbins Air Reserve Base, Georgia, Nov. 8, 2019. (Image credit: Staff Sgt. Andrew Park/U.S. Air Force) SHARE White House staffers have posted sentimental tributes to the jet that President Trump used as Air Force One for the 2026 G7 Summit in France, hinting that 92-9000 may have just completed its final scheduled Presidential sortie. Steven Cheung, Assistant to the President & White House Director of Communications, posted on X/Twitter after VC-25A 92-9000 landed at Joint Base Andrews with the quote “Well done, good and faithful servant”, followed by “The Last Ride”. “Well done, good and faithful servant.” The Last Ride. pic.twitter.com/YGNCDvjRSB — Steven Cheung (@StevenCheung47) June 18, 2026 He was joined by Dan Scavino, White House Deputy Chief of Staff, who said more directly “I have been fortunate to fly around the world on this iconic plane for 5 1/2 years — of the 35 years it has been serving U.S. Presidents… THANK YOU… AIR FORCE ONE 2900”. I have been fortunate to fly around the world on this iconic plane for 5 1/2 years — of the 35 years…

NPR News Air Force One, gifted to Trump from Qatar, arrives at Joint Base Andrews NPR | By Ava Berger Published June 19, 2026 at 5:01 PM EDT Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Print Alex Wong / Getty Images U.S. President Donald Trump pumps his fist after touring the inside of the newest aircraft in the presidential fleet at Andrews Air Force Base on June 19, 2026 at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland. The newest Air Force One jet, gifted to President Trump from the Qatari government, arrived ahead of schedule on Friday to Joint Base Andrews in Maryland. On Friday afternoon, Trump toured the luxury Boeing 747 plane that initially stirred controversy. The plane was one of the biggest foreign gifts ever received by the U.S. government and raised legal and ethical questions after Qatar offered to replace the presidential jet last year. Trump said last May he'd be "stupid" not to accept the offer. Industry groups originally said the plane could be worth approximately $400 million . Trump also spoke standing in front of the plane, thanking the Emir of Qatar and praising Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. The president praised the workmanship of the plane, describing it as the "…

'World's most luxurious plane': Trump unveils Qatari-donated 747 Air ... The Air Force has been modifying the plane since last September. President Donald Trump on Friday unveiled the Air Force One 747 that was donated to the Defense Department by the Qatari royal family. At an event at Joint Base Andrews, Trump descended the stairs of the newly outfitted jet to Lee Greenwood's "God Bless the USA." He claimed the jet is "virtually double in size"to the BoeingVC-25As that have served as the presidential plane since 1990. The aircraft will serve as a "bridge" Air Force One until the two new ones being built by Boeing will be ready sometime in 2028. "This is considered the world's most luxurious plane. When it was built, it was built at a level that will probably never be seen again,"Trump said of the jet, which is approximately 14 years old. The $400 million jet raised questions from some lawmakers and ethics experts over the unprecedented foreign gift. The Trump administration accepted the jet from the Qatari royal family last July. It is to be used as the new Air Force One until shortly before he leaves office, at which time ownership of the plane will be transferred to the …

VC-25B Air Force One "Bridge" Aircraft Now Wears Trump's Preferred Red ... Travis Ghormley The TWZ Newsletter Weekly insights and analysis on the latest developments in military technology, strategy, and foreign policy. Terms of Service and Privacy Policy The U.S. Air Force has confirmed that the VC-25B “Bridge” aircraft is now wearing its new ( and controversial ) red, white, and blue livery as it undergoes final preparations for its official delivery. Aviation photographer Travis Ghormley shared the first picture of the modified Boeing 747-8i with its new paint scheme yesterday. It was taken the day before in Waco, Texas. The aircraft had been undergoing modification and flight testing at L3Harris’ facility in Greenville, also in Texas, as part of the conversion into its new role, since at least April, before subsequently moving to Waco to be painted. The jet, gifted to the Trump administration by the government of Qatar last year, is set to serve as an interim Air Force One aircraft ahead of the much-delayed arrival of two fully outfitted VC-25Bs from Boeing. The VC-25B Bridge aircraft seen unpainted sometime circa May 1. Courtesy photo via the USAF “The VC-25B Bridge aircraft …

Trump sends new Air Force One to England to honor military with tours POLITICS Donald Trump Add Topic Trump sends new 747 serving as Air Force One to England for military tours Trump's acceptance of the $400 million plane has been contentious because it was a gift from a foreign country that Democrats contend is barred by the Constitution. Bart Jansen USA TODAY Updated July 8, 2026, 12:42 p.m. ET Hear this story President Donald Trump announced he would send the contentious presidential jet he received from Qatar , which is called Air Force One, for a military tour in England. The new plane is being sent to Mildenhall Air Force Base in the United Kingdom to honor "our brave men and women of the Military" and "to give them a chance to tour the Aircraft," Trump said on social media July 8. "Everybody is so excited, and we thought that they should be the first." "We have it going to Europe to a couple of bases so the soldiers can see it because it’s truly magnificent," Trump told reporters at a NATO conference in Ankara, Turkey. Trump plans to fly an older version of the Boeing 747 to England from the NATO conference he attended in Turkey. The new plane has generated bipartisan contr…

Qatari-donated 747 Will Fly as Air Force One in Summer 2026 A rendering of the proposed livery for the new VC-25B, which might be also applied on the VC-25 bridge aircraft. (Image credit: Boeing) SHARE The Qatari-donated Boeing 747-8 is set to fly as “VC-25 bridge aircraft” by summer 2026, as delays continue to plague Boeing’s VC-25B presidential aircraft program. The U.S. Air Force expects the Boeing 747 gifted by the government of Qatar to begin flying as an interim Air Force One (the callsign used when the U.S. President is on board) as early as summer 2026. Officially designated as “VC-25 bridge aircraft,” the 747 is intended to temporarily supplement the aging VC-25A fleet while the long-delayed VC-25B replacement program continues to slip. According to statements provided to Breaking Defense and Defense News , the Air Force accepted the former Qatari aircraft in May 2025, with modification work beginning in September. Should the aircraft fly as Air Force One this summer, the conversion would have lasted less than one year. This unusually rapid conversion would be in stark contrast with “standard” timelines for an aircraft intended to serve as a presidential transport, which …

Trump unexpectedly switches back to old Air Force One, sidelining Qatari jet <p>By Mike Stone</p><p>WASHINGTON, July 8 (Reuters) - President Donald Trump said on Wednesday he will fly from Turkey to Britain on an older Air Force One aircraft, an unexpected switch that raised questions about a retrofitted Boeing 747 donated by Qatar that he unveiled only weeks ago as his new presidential jet.</p><p>The trip to Turkey was the first international trip for the new plane.</p><p>The switch follows months of scrutiny over the luxury gift intended to serve as a temporary replacement while Boeing struggles to deliver long-delayed next-generation Air Force One planes.</p>

Trump unveils jaw-dropping $400 million Air Force One gifted by Qatar ByNIKKI SCHWAB, CHIEF CAMPAIGN CORRESPONDENT Published:16:04 EDT, 19 June 2026|Updated:16:04 EDT, 19 June 2026 Viewcomments PresidentDonald Trumpsurprisingly debuted the new Air Force One on Friday. The President was slated to meet with US Air Force service members at Joint Base Andrews on Friday afternoon, before flying to Camp David for the weekend. What greeted reporters was a rally-like setup, with the Qatari-gifted Air Force One front and center. 'There will never be one like this,' Trump said. 'This is considered the world's most luxurious plane.' Trump took a tour of the souped-up Boeing 747 before addressing the assembled crowd. He told journalists they would get a tour of the plane after he lifted off to Camp David. 'Are you smiling?' he asked members of the press pool. 'They don't smile at Republicans.' The plane boasted Trump's desired color scheme, red, white, and blue - with a strip of gold - a redesign that he's wanted to see since his first term. President Donald Trump walks off the Qatari-gifted Air Force One Friday afternoon at Joint Base Andrews, where he made a surprise announcement…

Trump shows off former Qatar-owned jet which has become Air Force One By PA News Agency Share 0 Comments President Donald Trump exits the newly designated Air Force One presidential aircraft (Manuel Balce Ceneta/AP) This article is brought to you by our exclusive subscriber partnership with our sister title USA Today, and has been written by our American colleagues. It does not necessarily reflect the view of The Herald. Donald Trump has shown off the new Air Force One, a formerly Qatari-owned jumbo jet that has been converted into the official US presidential aircraft. The new aircraft eschews the Kennedy-era robin’s egg blue exterior of the old plane for a bolder look, with the underbelly of the plane painted navy blue with a red stripe above it. The plane’s left side, where the president boards, features the presidential seal, while the tail of the aircraft has a massive American flag on it. “The workmanship of this plane is, when you see it, you won’t believe it,” Mr Trump said from inside the massive Andrews Air Force Base hangar, as around two hundred assembled Air Force personnel looked on. He spoke after stepping off the new plane in a dramatic flourish, as…

President Donald Trump speaks after touring the newly designated Air Force One presidential aircraft at Joint Base Andrews, Md., Friday, June 19, 2026. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta) By Associated Press PUBLISHED: June 19, 2026 at 4:22 PM EDT | UPDATED: June 19, 2026 at 5:11 PM EDT Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... By SEUNG MIN KIM and MANUEL BALCE CENETA ANDREWS AIR FORCE BASE, Md. (AP) — President Donald Trump on Friday showed off the new Air Force One, a formerly Qatari-owned jumbo jet that has been converted into the official U.S. presidential aircraft. The new aircraft eschews the Kennedy-era robin’s egg blue exterior of the old plane for a bolder look, with the underbelly of the plane painted navy blue with a red stripe above it. The plane’s left side, where the president boards, features the presidential seal, while the tail of the aircraft has a massive American flag on it. “The workmanship of this plane is, when you see it, you won’t believe it,” Trump said from inside the massive Andrews Air Force Base hangar, as a couple hundred assembled Air Force personnel looked on. He spoke after stepping off the new plane in a dramatic flourish, as his signature tune “God B…

President Donald Trump speaks after touring the newly designated Air Force One presidential aircraft at Joint Base Andrews, Md., Friday, June 19, 2026. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta) By Associated Press PUBLISHED: June 19, 2026 at 4:22 PM EDT | UPDATED: June 19, 2026 at 5:11 PM EDT Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... By SEUNG MIN KIM and MANUEL BALCE CENETA ANDREWS AIR FORCE BASE, Md. (AP) — President Donald Trump on Friday showed off the new Air Force One, a formerly Qatari-owned jumbo jet that has been converted into the official U.S. presidential aircraft. The new aircraft eschews the Kennedy-era robin’s egg blue exterior of the old plane for a bolder look, with the underbelly of the plane painted navy blue with a red stripe above it. The plane’s left side, where the president boards, features the presidential seal, while the tail of the aircraft has a massive American flag on it. “The workmanship of this plane is, when you see it, you won’t believe it,” Trump said from inside the massive Andrews Air Force Base hangar, as a couple hundred assembled Air Force personnel looked on. He spoke after stepping off the new plane in a dramatic flourish, as his signature tune “God B…

NPR News Air Force One, gifted to Trump from Qatar, arrives at Joint Base Andrews NPR | By Ava Berger Published June 19, 2026 at 5:01 PM EDT Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Print Alex Wong / Getty Images U.S. President Donald Trump pumps his fist after touring the inside of the newest aircraft in the presidential fleet at Andrews Air Force Base on June 19, 2026 at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland. The newest Air Force One jet, gifted to President Trump from the Qatari government, arrived ahead of schedule on Friday to Joint Base Andrews in Maryland. On Friday afternoon, Trump toured the luxury Boeing 747 plane that initially stirred controversy. The plane was one of the biggest foreign gifts ever received by the U.S. government and raised legal and ethical questions after Qatar offered to replace the presidential jet last year. Trump said last May he'd be "stupid" not to accept the offer. Industry groups originally said the plane could be worth approximately $400 million . Trump also spoke standing in front of the plane, thanking the Emir of Qatar and praising Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. The president praised the workmanship of the plane, describing it as the "…

President Trump unveils new Air Force One President Trump unveils new Air Force One The president has *** new Air Force One. This plane was transformed into *** flying White House at *** level of luxury that nobody's ever seen before. President Donald Trump just unveiled his new ride, which has this really patriotic red, white, and blue design. Now the president says this is the largest Air Force One ever built, and the Air Force says once the Boeing aircraft undergoes. *** final exam. It will be officially ready for the president to use, relieving pressure and heavy maintenance on the original AF-1 fleet. Now you may recall this is the same $400 million jet that the Qatari government had gifted the president last year. At that time, critics argued it could be bugged with listening devices and give away sensitive information. Others said it violated the Constitution's Emoluments Clause by accepting *** gift without congressional approval, and many argued any modifications would cost taxpayers *** hefty penny. But the Air Force says it made sure that this aircraft was fit for security and operational readiness and ready to fly in record time. Updated: 7:10 PM EDT Jun 19, 2026 Editor…

NPR News Air Force One, gifted to Trump from Qatar, arrives at Joint Base Andrews NPR | By Ava Berger Published June 19, 2026 at 5:01 PM EDT Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Print Alex Wong / Getty Images U.S. President Donald Trump pumps his fist after touring the inside of the newest aircraft in the presidential fleet at Andrews Air Force Base on June 19, 2026 at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland. The newest Air Force One jet, gifted to President Trump from the Qatari government, arrived ahead of schedule on Friday to Joint Base Andrews in Maryland. On Friday afternoon, Trump toured the luxury Boeing 747 plane that initially stirred controversy. The plane was one of the biggest foreign gifts ever received by the U.S. government and raised legal and ethical questions after Qatar offered to replace the presidential jet last year. Trump said last May he'd be "stupid" not to accept the offer. Industry groups originally said the plane could be worth approximately $400 million . Trump also spoke standing in front of the plane, thanking the Emir of Qatar and praising Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. The president praised the workmanship of the plane, describing it as the "…

Published June 20, 2026 President Donald Trump on Friday got a look at his upgraded Boeing 747, a plane gifted by Qatar, at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland as the aircraft neared delivery to join the Air Force One fleet. The jumbo aircraft, offered by Qatar as a gift to the president last year, was overhauled by defence contractor L3Harris Technologies and has been flight-tested and painted in a red, white, dark blue and gold livery that Trump chose. The addition to Trump's fleet provides a more modern and luxurious plane that the president, his aides, security detail and the media will travel in. The upgrade's cost has not been disclosed, and it was done so quickly that some experts fear it may not be as secure as the existing Air Force One aircraft. The Air Force's fast-track effort skipped some planned modifications for the next-generation presidential jet in order to deliver an interim version sooner, but officials said it was up to presidential standards. "The safety and security of the commander in chief is our highest priority," Secretary of the Air Force Troy Meink said in a statement on Friday. "From the beginning, we meticulously evaluated every requirement to acceler…

NPR News Air Force One, gifted to Trump from Qatar, arrives at Joint Base Andrews NPR | By Ava Berger Published June 19, 2026 at 5:01 PM EDT Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Print Alex Wong / Getty Images U.S. President Donald Trump pumps his fist after touring the inside of the newest aircraft in the presidential fleet at Andrews Air Force Base on June 19, 2026 at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland. The newest Air Force One jet, gifted to President Trump from the Qatari government, arrived ahead of schedule on Friday to Joint Base Andrews in Maryland. On Friday afternoon, Trump toured the luxury Boeing 747 plane that initially stirred controversy. The plane was one of the biggest foreign gifts ever received by the U.S. government and raised legal and ethical questions after Qatar offered to replace the presidential jet last year. Trump said last May he'd be "stupid" not to accept the offer. Industry groups originally said the plane could be worth approximately $400 million . Trump also spoke standing in front of the plane, thanking the Emir of Qatar and praising Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. The president praised the workmanship of the plane, describing it as the "…

President Trump unveils new Air Force One President Trump unveils new Air Force One The president has *** new Air Force One. This plane was transformed into *** flying White House at *** level of luxury that nobody's ever seen before. President Donald Trump just unveiled his new ride, which has this really patriotic red, white, and blue design. Now the president says this is the largest Air Force One ever built, and the Air Force says once the Boeing aircraft undergoes. *** final exam. It will be officially ready for the president to use, relieving pressure and heavy maintenance on the original AF-1 fleet. Now you may recall this is the same $400 million jet that the Qatari government had gifted the president last year. At that time, critics argued it could be bugged with listening devices and give away sensitive information. Others said it violated the Constitution's Emoluments Clause by accepting *** gift without congressional approval, and many argued any modifications would cost taxpayers *** hefty penny. But the Air Force says it made sure that this aircraft was fit for security and operational readiness and ready to fly in record time. Updated: 7:10 PM EDT Jun 19, 2026 Editor…

President Trump unveils new Air Force One President Trump unveils new Air Force One The president has *** new Air Force One. This plane was transformed into *** flying White House at *** level of luxury that nobody's ever seen before. President Donald Trump just unveiled his new ride, which has this really patriotic red, white, and blue design. Now the president says this is the largest Air Force One ever built, and the Air Force says once the Boeing aircraft undergoes. *** final exam. It will be officially ready for the president to use, relieving pressure and heavy maintenance on the original AF-1 fleet. Now you may recall this is the same $400 million jet that the Qatari government had gifted the president last year. At that time, critics argued it could be bugged with listening devices and give away sensitive information. Others said it violated the Constitution's Emoluments Clause by accepting *** gift without congressional approval, and many argued any modifications would cost taxpayers *** hefty penny. But the Air Force says it made sure that this aircraft was fit for security and operational readiness and ready to fly in record time. Updated: 7:10 PM EDT Jun 19, 2026 Editor…

ANI06 Jul 2026, 09:01 GMT+10 Washington, DC [US], July 6 (ANI): US President Donald Trump has started travelling on a Boeing 747-8 presented as a gift by Qatar, though his plans to ultimately showcase the plane at his forthcoming presidential library in Miami face numerous political, military, and logistical hurdles, according to The Wall Street Journal (WSJ). The aircraft is presently functioning as a temporary VC-25B 'bridge' Air Force One while Boeing works to finish two delayed next-generation presidential planes. According to the news outlet, Trump has been aiming to replace the vintage Air Force One fleet since his initial term in office. He commissioned two new Boeing aircraft to serve as Air Force One in 2017, but the project has run into successive delays, meaning the initial jet is now anticipated for delivery only in mid-2028, just months before Trump completes his term. To bridge this interval, the US Air Force searched for an available aircraft equipped to transport the president. This search led to a VIP-configured Boeing 747-8 belonging to the Qatari royal family. Trump subsequently inspected the aircraft in Palm Beach and noted that he had originally enquired w…

NPR News Air Force One, gifted to Trump from Qatar, arrives at Joint Base Andrews NPR | By Ava Berger Published June 19, 2026 at 5:01 PM EDT Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Print Alex Wong / Getty Images U.S. President Donald Trump pumps his fist after touring the inside of the newest aircraft in the presidential fleet at Andrews Air Force Base on June 19, 2026 at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland. The newest Air Force One jet, gifted to President Trump from the Qatari government, arrived ahead of schedule on Friday to Joint Base Andrews in Maryland. On Friday afternoon, Trump toured the luxury Boeing 747 plane that initially stirred controversy. The plane was one of the biggest foreign gifts ever received by the U.S. government and raised legal and ethical questions after Qatar offered to replace the presidential jet last year. Trump said last May he'd be "stupid" not to accept the offer. Industry groups originally said the plane could be worth approximately $400 million . Trump also spoke standing in front of the plane, thanking the Emir of Qatar and praising Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. The president praised the workmanship of the plane, describing it as the "…

NPR News Air Force One, gifted to Trump from Qatar, arrives at Joint Base Andrews NPR | By Ava Berger Published June 19, 2026 at 5:01 PM EDT Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Print Alex Wong / Getty Images U.S. President Donald Trump pumps his fist after touring the inside of the newest aircraft in the presidential fleet at Andrews Air Force Base on June 19, 2026 at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland. The newest Air Force One jet, gifted to President Trump from the Qatari government, arrived ahead of schedule on Friday to Joint Base Andrews in Maryland. On Friday afternoon, Trump toured the luxury Boeing 747 plane that initially stirred controversy. The plane was one of the biggest foreign gifts ever received by the U.S. government and raised legal and ethical questions after Qatar offered to replace the presidential jet last year. Trump said last May he'd be "stupid" not to accept the offer. Industry groups originally said the plane could be worth approximately $400 million . Trump also spoke standing in front of the plane, thanking the Emir of Qatar and praising Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. The president praised the workmanship of the plane, describing it as the "…

President Donald Trump speaks after touring the newly designated Air Force One presidential aircraft at Joint Base Andrews, Md., Friday, June 19, 2026. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta) By Associated Press PUBLISHED: June 19, 2026 at 4:22 PM EDT | UPDATED: June 19, 2026 at 5:11 PM EDT Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... By SEUNG MIN KIM and MANUEL BALCE CENETA ANDREWS AIR FORCE BASE, Md. (AP) — President Donald Trump on Friday showed off the new Air Force One, a formerly Qatari-owned jumbo jet that has been converted into the official U.S. presidential aircraft. The new aircraft eschews the Kennedy-era robin’s egg blue exterior of the old plane for a bolder look, with the underbelly of the plane painted navy blue with a red stripe above it. The plane’s left side, where the president boards, features the presidential seal, while the tail of the aircraft has a massive American flag on it. “The workmanship of this plane is, when you see it, you won’t believe it,” Trump said from inside the massive Andrews Air Force Base hangar, as a couple hundred assembled Air Force personnel looked on. He spoke after stepping off the new plane in a dramatic flourish, as his signature tune “God B…

President Trump unveils new Air Force One President Trump unveils new Air Force One The president has *** new Air Force One. This plane was transformed into *** flying White House at *** level of luxury that nobody's ever seen before. President Donald Trump just unveiled his new ride, which has this really patriotic red, white, and blue design. Now the president says this is the largest Air Force One ever built, and the Air Force says once the Boeing aircraft undergoes. *** final exam. It will be officially ready for the president to use, relieving pressure and heavy maintenance on the original AF-1 fleet. Now you may recall this is the same $400 million jet that the Qatari government had gifted the president last year. At that time, critics argued it could be bugged with listening devices and give away sensitive information. Others said it violated the Constitution's Emoluments Clause by accepting *** gift without congressional approval, and many argued any modifications would cost taxpayers *** hefty penny. But the Air Force says it made sure that this aircraft was fit for security and operational readiness and ready to fly in record time. Updated: 7:10 PM EDT Jun 19, 2026 Editor…

President Trump unveils new Air Force One President Trump unveils new Air Force One The president has *** new Air Force One. This plane was transformed into *** flying White House at *** level of luxury that nobody's ever seen before. President Donald Trump just unveiled his new ride, which has this really patriotic red, white, and blue design. Now the president says this is the largest Air Force One ever built, and the Air Force says once the Boeing aircraft undergoes. *** final exam. It will be officially ready for the president to use, relieving pressure and heavy maintenance on the original AF-1 fleet. Now you may recall this is the same $400 million jet that the Qatari government had gifted the president last year. At that time, critics argued it could be bugged with listening devices and give away sensitive information. Others said it violated the Constitution's Emoluments Clause by accepting *** gift without congressional approval, and many argued any modifications would cost taxpayers *** hefty penny. But the Air Force says it made sure that this aircraft was fit for security and operational readiness and ready to fly in record time. Updated: 7:10 PM EDT Jun 19, 2026 Editor…

Trump unveils a new presidential airplane | CNN Politics The Air Force’s VC-25B Bridge aircraft, pictured at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland. US Air Force Donald Trump Federal agencies US military See all topics Facebook Tweet Email Link Threads Link Copied! Follow Summary President Donald Trump unveiled a new presidential aircraft donated by Qatar, featuring a red, white and blue color scheme that resembles his personal jet. The luxury plane will temporarily replace the iconic light blue Air Force One design conceived by Jacqueline Kennedy and used since 1990. The Air Force said Friday the new plane would begin “commissioning flights” soon, which are intended as a “final exam” for the aircraft modification. AI-generated summary was reviewed by a CNN editor. The wood paneling on the new presidential aircraft is the highest quality, President Donald Trump says. The flag on the tail is waving just right. The colors, no longer robin’s egg-blue, are a “much better” and “more appropriate look.” Unveiling “the world’s most luxurious plane,” as he called it at Joint Base Andrews on Friday, Trump appeared relieved to finally have an airplane that matches his own proclivities. “Everything was…

NPR News Air Force One, gifted to Trump from Qatar, arrives at Joint Base Andrews NPR | By Ava Berger Published June 19, 2026 at 5:01 PM EDT Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Print Alex Wong / Getty Images U.S. President Donald Trump pumps his fist after touring the inside of the newest aircraft in the presidential fleet at Andrews Air Force Base on June 19, 2026 at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland. The newest Air Force One jet, gifted to President Trump from the Qatari government, arrived ahead of schedule on Friday to Joint Base Andrews in Maryland. On Friday afternoon, Trump toured the luxury Boeing 747 plane that initially stirred controversy. The plane was one of the biggest foreign gifts ever received by the U.S. government and raised legal and ethical questions after Qatar offered to replace the presidential jet last year. Trump said last May he'd be "stupid" not to accept the offer. Industry groups originally said the plane could be worth approximately $400 million . Trump also spoke standing in front of the plane, thanking the Emir of Qatar and praising Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. The president praised the workmanship of the plane, describing it as the "…

Trump shows off former Qatar-owned jet which has become Air Force One By PA News Agency Share 0 Comments President Donald Trump exits the newly designated Air Force One presidential aircraft (Manuel Balce Ceneta/AP) This article is brought to you by our exclusive subscriber partnership with our sister title USA Today, and has been written by our American colleagues. It does not necessarily reflect the view of The Herald. Donald Trump has shown off the new Air Force One, a formerly Qatari-owned jumbo jet that has been converted into the official US presidential aircraft. The new aircraft eschews the Kennedy-era robin’s egg blue exterior of the old plane for a bolder look, with the underbelly of the plane painted navy blue with a red stripe above it. The plane’s left side, where the president boards, features the presidential seal, while the tail of the aircraft has a massive American flag on it. “The workmanship of this plane is, when you see it, you won’t believe it,” Mr Trump said from inside the massive Andrews Air Force Base hangar, as around two hundred assembled Air Force personnel looked on. He spoke after stepping off the new plane in a dramatic flourish, as…

Retrofitted Qatari jet takes flight as Air Force One for Trump's trip to North Dakota Retrofitted Qatari jet takes flight as Air Force One for Trump's trip to North Dakota The president has *** new Air Force One. This plane was transformed into *** flying White House at *** level of luxury that nobody's ever seen before. President Donald Trump just unveiled his new ride, which has this really patriotic red, white, and blue design. Now the president says this is the largest Air Force One ever built, and the Air Force says once the Boeing aircraft undergoes. *** final exam. It will be officially ready for the president to use, relieving pressure and heavy maintenance on the original AF-1 fleet. Now you may recall this is the same $400 million jet that the Qatari government had gifted the president last year. At that time, critics argued it could be bugged with listening devices and give away sensitive information. Others said it violated the Constitution's Emoluments Clause by accepting *** gift without congressional approval, and many argued any modifications would cost taxpayers *** hefty penny. But the Air Force says it made sure that this aircraft was fit for security and operati…

Donald Trump unexpectedly switches back to old Air Force One ... Reuters President Trump will fly to Britain using an older Air Force One aircraft. This decision follows scrutiny over a recently unveiled Boeing 747 gifted by Qatar. Washington: President Donald Trump said on Wednesday he will fly from Turkey to ​Britain on an older Air Force ​One aircraft, an unexpected switch that raised questions about a retrofitted Boeing ​747 donated by Qatar that he unveiled only weeks ago as his new presidential jet. The trip to Turkey was the first international trip for the new plane. The switch follows months of scrutiny over the luxury gift intended ‌to serve as ⁠a temporary ⁠replacement while Boeing struggles to deliver long-delayed next-generation Air Force One planes. Read more: Trump says he will use old Air Force One to travel to UK with new plane going there too Critics questioned the cost, security and pace of the ​retrofit. Live Events Trump said on Truth Social that he would use an older Air Force One plane "for old time's sake" ​to fly to RAF Mildenhall in Britain while the new plane visits the same base so U.S. service members stationed there can tour the aircraft. The new pla…

WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump flew home from a NATO summit in Turkey on an old baby blue Air Force One plane instead of the new Qatari-gifted and retrofitted red, white and navy blue jet he arrived in, a surprise swap that came as the U.S. and Iran once again began trading strikes . Trump offered little clarity on the swap, instead saying he would fly on the legacy aircraft “for old time’s sake,” and indicating that both aircraft would make a previously unscheduled stop on the way back to the U.S. at Royal Air Force Mildenhall, a base used by U.S. troops. The travel switch raised fresh security questions about the new aircraft that the U.S. spent $400 million to retrofit. Images of the Qatari-gifted jet captured since its unveiling show it is not equipped with some of the same missile detection and countermeasure systems as the older jets. The swap was also announced less than a day after the U.S. military conducted a series of large strikes in Iran in retaliation for its attacks on merchant shipping in the region. Iran shares a border with Turkey. Trump first announced in a social media post that the gleaming new plane he had proudly shown off a day earlier would instead vis…

NPR News Air Force One, gifted to Trump from Qatar, arrives at Joint Base Andrews NPR | By Ava Berger Published June 19, 2026 at 5:01 PM EDT Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Print Alex Wong / Getty Images U.S. President Donald Trump pumps his fist after touring the inside of the newest aircraft in the presidential fleet at Andrews Air Force Base on June 19, 2026 at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland. The newest Air Force One jet, gifted to President Trump from the Qatari government, arrived ahead of schedule on Friday to Joint Base Andrews in Maryland. On Friday afternoon, Trump toured the luxury Boeing 747 plane that initially stirred controversy. The plane was one of the biggest foreign gifts ever received by the U.S. government and raised legal and ethical questions after Qatar offered to replace the presidential jet last year. Trump said last May he'd be "stupid" not to accept the offer. Industry groups originally said the plane could be worth approximately $400 million . Trump also spoke standing in front of the plane, thanking the Emir of Qatar and praising Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. The president praised the workmanship of the plane, describing it as the "…

Retrofitted Qatari jet takes flight as Air Force One for Trump’s trip to North Dakota By: Julia Demaree Nikhinson And Josh Boak, The Associated Press Posted: 8:26 AM CDT Wednesday, Jul. 1, 2026 Last Modified: 8:33 AM CDT Wednesday, Jul. 1, 2026 Advertisement Advertise with us Tweet Share Print Email Read Later WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump on Wednesday is taking his maiden voyage on a new Air Force One — a retrofitted Boeing 747 worth $400 million gifted by Qatar that embeds his personality more deeply into the institution of the American presidency. Read this article for free: or Already have an account? Log in here » To continue reading, please subscribe: Digital Subscription One year of digital access for only $1.44 a week * Enjoy unlimited reading on winnipegfreepress.com Read the E-Edition, our digital replica newspaper Access News Break, our award-winning app Play interactive puzzles *Billed as $5.77 plus GST every four weeks. After 52 weeks, price increases to the regular rate of $19.95 plus GST every four weeks. Offer available to new and qualified returning subscribers only. Cancel any time. To continue reading, please subscribe: Add Free Press access to your Br…

President Donald Trump speaks after touring the newly designated Air Force One presidential aircraft at Joint Base Andrews, Md., Friday, June 19, 2026. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta) By Associated Press PUBLISHED: June 19, 2026 at 4:22 PM EDT | UPDATED: June 19, 2026 at 5:11 PM EDT Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... By SEUNG MIN KIM and MANUEL BALCE CENETA ANDREWS AIR FORCE BASE, Md. (AP) — President Donald Trump on Friday showed off the new Air Force One, a formerly Qatari-owned jumbo jet that has been converted into the official U.S. presidential aircraft. The new aircraft eschews the Kennedy-era robin’s egg blue exterior of the old plane for a bolder look, with the underbelly of the plane painted navy blue with a red stripe above it. The plane’s left side, where the president boards, features the presidential seal, while the tail of the aircraft has a massive American flag on it. “The workmanship of this plane is, when you see it, you won’t believe it,” Trump said from inside the massive Andrews Air Force Base hangar, as a couple hundred assembled Air Force personnel looked on. He spoke after stepping off the new plane in a dramatic flourish, as his signature tune “God B…

Trump shows off former Qatar-owned jet which has become Air Force One By PA News Agency Share 0 Comments President Donald Trump exits the newly designated Air Force One presidential aircraft (Manuel Balce Ceneta/AP) This article is brought to you by our exclusive subscriber partnership with our sister title USA Today, and has been written by our American colleagues. It does not necessarily reflect the view of The Herald. Donald Trump has shown off the new Air Force One, a formerly Qatari-owned jumbo jet that has been converted into the official US presidential aircraft. The new aircraft eschews the Kennedy-era robin’s egg blue exterior of the old plane for a bolder look, with the underbelly of the plane painted navy blue with a red stripe above it. The plane’s left side, where the president boards, features the presidential seal, while the tail of the aircraft has a massive American flag on it. “The workmanship of this plane is, when you see it, you won’t believe it,” Mr Trump said from inside the massive Andrews Air Force Base hangar, as around two hundred assembled Air Force personnel looked on. He spoke after stepping off the new plane in a dramatic flourish, as…

NPR News Air Force One, gifted to Trump from Qatar, arrives at Joint Base Andrews NPR | By Ava Berger Published June 19, 2026 at 5:01 PM EDT Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Print Alex Wong / Getty Images U.S. President Donald Trump pumps his fist after touring the inside of the newest aircraft in the presidential fleet at Andrews Air Force Base on June 19, 2026 at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland. The newest Air Force One jet, gifted to President Trump from the Qatari government, arrived ahead of schedule on Friday to Joint Base Andrews in Maryland. On Friday afternoon, Trump toured the luxury Boeing 747 plane that initially stirred controversy. The plane was one of the biggest foreign gifts ever received by the U.S. government and raised legal and ethical questions after Qatar offered to replace the presidential jet last year. Trump said last May he'd be "stupid" not to accept the offer. Industry groups originally said the plane could be worth approximately $400 million . Trump also spoke standing in front of the plane, thanking the Emir of Qatar and praising Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. The president praised the workmanship of the plane, describing it as the "…

NPR News Air Force One, gifted to Trump from Qatar, arrives at Joint Base Andrews NPR | By Ava Berger Published June 19, 2026 at 5:01 PM EDT Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Print Alex Wong / Getty Images U.S. President Donald Trump pumps his fist after touring the inside of the newest aircraft in the presidential fleet at Andrews Air Force Base on June 19, 2026 at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland. The newest Air Force One jet, gifted to President Trump from the Qatari government, arrived ahead of schedule on Friday to Joint Base Andrews in Maryland. On Friday afternoon, Trump toured the luxury Boeing 747 plane that initially stirred controversy. The plane was one of the biggest foreign gifts ever received by the U.S. government and raised legal and ethical questions after Qatar offered to replace the presidential jet last year. Trump said last May he'd be "stupid" not to accept the offer. Industry groups originally said the plane could be worth approximately $400 million . Trump also spoke standing in front of the plane, thanking the Emir of Qatar and praising Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. The president praised the workmanship of the plane, describing it as the "…

White House staff bids farewell to planes used as Air Force One for ... Air Force One transporting US President Donald Trump to attend the NATO summit in The Hague, June 24, 2025. Koen van Weel/ANP/AFP/Getty Images Federal agencies US military Investing See all topics Facebook Tweet Email Link Threads Link Copied! Follow Summary Two White House officials posted farewells to the Boeing 747-200 that has flown as Air Force One since 1990. It comes as the first of three planes being modified for the role is set to be delivered soon. Three 747-800s are being modified, including a luxury jet donated by the government of Qatar to bridge the gap between the old planes and the two additional planes Boeing is modifying. AI-generated summary was reviewed by a CNN editor. Washington, DC — After an early Thursday morning landing near Washington, two White House officials posted social media farewells to the heavily modified Boeing 747-200, which has flown as Air Force One since 1990, as the first of three planes being modified for the role is set to be delivered soon. “The last ride,” White House communications director Steve Cheung said sharing a photo of the plane - which the Air Force calls…

NPR News Air Force One, gifted to Trump from Qatar, arrives at Joint Base Andrews NPR | By Ava Berger Published June 19, 2026 at 5:01 PM EDT Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Print Alex Wong / Getty Images U.S. President Donald Trump pumps his fist after touring the inside of the newest aircraft in the presidential fleet at Andrews Air Force Base on June 19, 2026 at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland. The newest Air Force One jet, gifted to President Trump from the Qatari government, arrived ahead of schedule on Friday to Joint Base Andrews in Maryland. On Friday afternoon, Trump toured the luxury Boeing 747 plane that initially stirred controversy. The plane was one of the biggest foreign gifts ever received by the U.S. government and raised legal and ethical questions after Qatar offered to replace the presidential jet last year. Trump said last May he'd be "stupid" not to accept the offer. Industry groups originally said the plane could be worth approximately $400 million . Trump also spoke standing in front of the plane, thanking the Emir of Qatar and praising Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. The president praised the workmanship of the plane, describing it as the "…

'A flying White House': President Trump unveils the new Air Force One By یورونیوز & AP Published on 21/06/2026 - 11:46 GMT+2 • Updated 12:04 Share Comments Add Euronews on Google Share Facebook Twitter Flipboard Send Reddit Linkedin Messenger Telegram VK Bluesky Threads Whatsapp Converted from a former Qatari-owned Boeing 747, the new Air Force One will serve as a temporary presidential aircraft until Boeing delivers the long-delayed replacement fleet in 2028. President Donald Trump has unveiled a new Air Force One, a converted Boeing 747 previously owned by Qatar that will now serve as the official aircraft for the US president. ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT The redesigned jet replaces the iconic Kennedy-era pale blue livery with a more striking colour scheme featuring a navy blue underside, a red stripe running along the fuselage and a large American flag on the tail. The presidential seal is displayed beside the forward boarding door used by the president. “This plane was transformed into a flying White House at a level of luxury that nobody has ever seen before,” Trump said from inside the massive Joint Base Andrews hangar, as a couple hundred assembled Air Force personnel looke…