President Donald Trump will have a new temporary Air Force One this summer after the U.S. Air Force completed modifications and flight testing on a luxury Boeing 747 donated by the government of Qatar.
The jet underwent a roughly $400 million security and communications overhaul focused on installing top-secret gear, defensive systems and sweeps for surveillance equipment. Much of that work took place in Texas at L3Harris Technologies facilities, including sites in Waco, Greenville and earlier stops at Fort Worth Alliance Airport and San Antonio. The aircraft has conducted test flights over North Texas in recent months as part of the accelerated “bridge” program.
Air Force officials say the plane will serve as an interim presidential aircraft until Boeing delivers two new VC-25B jets, now expected in 2028. The current Air Force One fleet has flown for nearly four decades.
While security upgrades were the priority, the jet largely keeps its original opulent interior from its days as a Qatari royal aircraft — features long described as a “palace in the sky,” including oversized leather seats, plush couches and high-end finishes. Minor changes include new U.S. presidential seals and removal of Arabic signage. The aircraft is now being painted in a red, white and blue livery.
The gift and conversion have sparked debate over ethics, security risks and taxpayer costs, but the Air Force has stressed that the modifications meet strict presidential mission requirements without shortcuts.
