Daijiworld Media Network - Washington

Washington, Jun 20: US President Donald Trump on Friday unveiled a newly refurbished Air Force One aircraft, a Boeing 747-8i previously owned by Qatar, which will begin commissioning flights before being used to transport the president from next month.

The aircraft features a new red, white and navy blue colour scheme, replacing the iconic robin’s egg blue design used by US presidential aircraft for nearly four decades since the administration of former President George H W Bush.

The tail of the aircraft carries a wave-style American flag design, reflecting the colours of the US national flag.

Speaking at a ceremony at Joint Base Andrews, the home base of the presidential aircraft, Trump highlighted the size of the new plane compared to the current Air Force One.

“The biggest difference is the difference in size. It’s like virtually double the size,” Trump said.

“These are the new colours — red, white and blue. We liked the baby blue, but it was time for a change. I like the colour of the American flag,” he added.

The US Air Force said the aircraft will undergo “commissioning flights”, described as its final evaluation before it is cleared for presidential travel.

Trump said he requested the aircraft from the Emir of Qatar after becoming frustrated with delays in Boeing’s replacement programme for the presidential fleet and comparisons with newer aircraft operated by other countries.

“I asked the Emir if we could use the brand new 747,” Trump said, noting that the aircraft had relatively few flight hours.

He said the aircraft would serve as a temporary “bridge” aircraft until the new Air Force One planes ordered from Boeing are delivered, which are expected to enter service around 2028.

The Air Force said any aircraft designated as Air Force One must meet strict security standards and confirmed that the Qatari aircraft had been modified through a detailed engineering process focused on meeting those requirements.

Trump announced that the new aircraft will participate in a flyover during July 4 celebrations at the National Mall as the US marks its 250th Independence Day. He also said he plans to use the jet for the upcoming NATO summit in Turkey.

Trump’s return from the Group of Seven (G7) summit in France was the final scheduled trip aboard the current Air Force One aircraft.

“We are proud to deliver the VC-25B Bridge aircraft to the President,” said US Air Force Chief of Staff General Ken Wilsbach.

The Air Force has previously estimated that security upgrades for the aircraft would cost less than USD 400 million.

The service said the delivery of the bridge aircraft would reduce pressure on the ageing VC-25A presidential fleet by providing additional capability during heavy maintenance periods, while ensuring uninterrupted presidential air travel until the long-term Boeing VC-25B aircraft enters service.