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The United States Air Force confirmed that the Boeing 747-8 aircraft gifted by Qatar is expected to be delivered no later than summer 2026 to serve as a bridge aircraft for presidential airlift missions. The plane, valued at approximately $400 million, is currently undergoing modifications to meet security and operational requirements for presidential transport.

The United States Air Force confirmed that the Boeing 747-8 aircraft gifted by Qatar is expected to be delivered no later than summer 2026 to serve as a bridge aircraft for presidential airlift missions. The plane, valued at approximately $400 million, is currently undergoing modifications to meet security and operational requirements for presidential transport.

President Donald Trump accepted the luxury jumbo jet from Qatar's royal family in May 2025 as an interim solution while Boeing's contracted replacement aircraft face significant delays. The two new VC-25B planes, originally scheduled for 2024 delivery under a $3.9 billion fixed-price contract, are now not expected until mid-2028.

President Donald Trump accepted the luxury jumbo jet from Qatar's royal family in May 2025 as an interim solution while Boeing's contracted replacement aircraft face significant delays. The two new VC-25B planes, originally scheduled for 2024 delivery under a $3.9 billion fixed-price contract, are now not expected until mid-2028.

The current Air Force One fleet consists of two Boeing VC-25A aircraft that have been in service since the George H.W. Bush administration in the early 1990s. These planes are showing their age, with one experiencing a minor electrical issue this week that forced a return to Joint Base Andrews during a trip to Switzerland.

The current Air Force One fleet consists of two Boeing VC-25A aircraft that have been in service since the George H.W. Bush administration in the early 1990s. These planes are showing their age, with one experiencing a minor electrical issue this week that forced a return to Joint Base Andrews during a trip to Switzerland.

Air Force Secretary Troy Meink testified before Congress that modifications to the Qatari aircraft would cost less than $400 million and could be completed in less than a year. The work is reportedly being conducted by defense contractor L3Harris Technologies, though details of the modifications remain classified.

Air Force Secretary Troy Meink testified before Congress that modifications to the Qatari aircraft would cost less than $400 million and could be completed in less than a year. The work is reportedly being conducted by defense contractor L3Harris Technologies, though details of the modifications remain classified.

The acceptance of the Qatari gift drew criticism from both Democratic and Republican lawmakers who raised ethical concerns about potential foreign influence and questioned whether proper security measures could be implemented quickly. Justice Department lawyers concluded that the donation was legally permissible because it was given to the Department of Defense rather than to an individual.

The acceptance of the Qatari gift drew criticism from both Democratic and Republican lawmakers who raised ethical concerns about potential foreign influence and questioned whether proper security measures could be implemented quickly. Justice Department lawyers concluded that the donation was legally permissible because it was given to the Department of Defense rather than to an individual.

Trump has stated that the aircraft will be transferred to his presidential library foundation after his term ends, with the plane potentially serving as a centerpiece exhibit similar to Ronald Reagan's retired Air Force One displayed at the Reagan Presidential Library in California.

Trump has stated that the aircraft will be transferred to his presidential library foundation after his term ends, with the plane potentially serving as a centerpiece exhibit similar to Ronald Reagan's retired Air Force One displayed at the Reagan Presidential Library in California.

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The United States Air Force confirmed that a Boeing 747-8 aircraft gifted by Qatar is expected to be delivered for presidential use no later than summer 2026. The plane, designated as the VC-25 bridge aircraft, could potentially debut during celebrations marking the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence in July.

The United States Air Force confirmed that a Boeing 747-8 aircraft gifted by Qatar is expected to be delivered for presidential use no later than summer 2026. The plane, designated as the VC-25 bridge aircraft, could potentially debut during celebrations marking the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence in July.

The aircraft, valued at approximately $400 million, was accepted by the Trump administration in May 2025 and modifications began in September. Defense contractor L3Harris has reportedly been tasked with converting the former Qatari government plane to meet presidential security specifications.

The aircraft, valued at approximately $400 million, was accepted by the Trump administration in May 2025 and modifications began in September. Defense contractor L3Harris has reportedly been tasked with converting the former Qatari government plane to meet presidential security specifications.

President Donald Trump defended accepting the jet, stating it was a gift to the United States Air Force and Department of Defense rather than to him personally. He argued that refusing a free aircraft would be foolish while the country provides aid to other nations.

President Donald Trump defended accepting the jet, stating it was a gift to the United States Air Force and Department of Defense rather than to him personally. He argued that refusing a free aircraft would be foolish while the country provides aid to other nations.

The current Air Force One fleet consists of two Boeing VC-25A aircraft that have been in service since the George H.W. Bush administration in the early 1990s. A minor electrical issue forced one of these planes to return to Joint Base Andrews this week during a trip to Switzerland.

The current Air Force One fleet consists of two Boeing VC-25A aircraft that have been in service since the George H.W. Bush administration in the early 1990s. A minor electrical issue forced one of these planes to return to Joint Base Andrews this week during a trip to Switzerland.

Air Force Secretary Troy Meink estimated the cost of modifying the Qatari jet at less than $400 million, using leftover funds from the Sentinel ICBM program. This contrasts with Boeing's $3.9 billion contract for two new VC-25B aircraft, which has experienced significant delays and cost overruns.

Air Force Secretary Troy Meink estimated the cost of modifying the Qatari jet at less than $400 million, using leftover funds from the Sentinel ICBM program. This contrasts with Boeing's $3.9 billion contract for two new VC-25B aircraft, which has experienced significant delays and cost overruns.

The acceptance of the Qatari aircraft has drawn bipartisan criticism over potential ethics concerns and constitutional questions regarding foreign gifts. Trump has indicated the plane will eventually be transferred to his presidential library after his term ends in 2029.

The acceptance of the Qatari aircraft has drawn bipartisan criticism over potential ethics concerns and constitutional questions regarding foreign gifts. Trump has indicated the plane will eventually be transferred to his presidential library after his term ends in 2029.

Qatar-Gifted Boeing 747 to Serve as Air Force One by 2026

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Qatar's $400M Gift Jet to Serve as Air Force One by 2026

Qatar's $400M Gift Jet to Serve as Air Force One by 2026

Qatar-Gifted's Boeing$400M 747Gift Jet to Serve as Air Force One by 2026

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Qatar's $400M Gift Jet to Serve as Air Force One by 2026

Qatar-Gifted's Boeing$400M 747Gift Jet to Serve as Air Force One by 2026

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