Daijiworld Media Network - Washington
Washington, May 8: A controversial Boeing 747 donated by Qatar is set to begin serving as the aircraft carrying US President Donald Trump this summer, according to the United States Air Force.
The aircraft, which will function as a temporary presidential plane, is expected to enter service ahead of America’s 250th Independence anniversary celebrations.
The Air Force said the modified aircraft will feature a new red, white, dark blue and gold paint scheme designed with Trump’s input, marking a major departure from the iconic blue-and-white livery introduced during the tenure of former First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy.
While any aircraft carrying the US president is technically designated as “Air Force One”, the term is most closely associated with the specially modified presidential Boeing 747 aircraft.
The current presidential fleet consists of two ageing VC-25A aircraft. The donated Qatari aircraft will temporarily serve under the designation VC-25B Bridge until two newly built presidential jets are completed.
Boeing is currently constructing two new Air Force One aircraft, though delivery has been delayed until 2028, several years behind schedule and beyond the original estimated cost of USD 3.9 billion.
According to military procurement records, the current contract value has increased to USD 4.4 billion.
The Air Force stated that the temporary conversion of the Qatari aircraft became necessary because the delayed replacement jets originally scheduled for delivery in 2024 are not yet ready.
Officials said the aircraft has completed flight testing and is currently undergoing repainting and security modifications ahead of deployment this summer.
Presidential aircraft are equipped with advanced communications systems, protection against nuclear blasts and classified defensive technologies. They are also capable of aerial refuelling, allowing extended operation during emergencies.
The Air Force said additional security procedures had to be developed to thoroughly inspect the donated aircraft for possible sabotage or surveillance equipment, since US military aircraft are usually purchased brand new directly from manufacturers.
The donation from Qatar has sparked ethical and political criticism in the United States, with opponents raising concerns over accepting one of the largest gifts ever offered by a foreign government to the country.
Trump, however, defended the decision earlier, saying it would have been “foolish” not to accept the aircraft.
The White House said the aircraft will eventually be transferred to Trump’s presidential library after he leaves office and the newly built Air Force One planes become operational in 2028.