The Boeing wide-body luxury jet that Qatar is donating to the White House for use as Air Force One is slated to arrive this summer, according to The Wall Street Journal.
The report indicates that President Donald Trump wants the plane’s exterior painted in red, white and blue, potentially to coincide with America’s 250th birthday celebrations in July.
Air Force confirmation of delivery
In a statement to the WSJ, the U.S. Air Force confirmed the timeline:
“The Air Force remains committed to expediting delivery of the VC-25 bridge aircraft in support of the Presidential airlift mission, with an anticipated delivery no later than summer 2026.”
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It is the first time the Air Force has publicly pinpointed a delivery window, though it did not say whether the aircraft would be ready for service by then.
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President Donald Trump has said he plans to donate an aircraft donated by Qatar to his presidential library after leaving office.
The estimated $400 million jumbo jet is described as an “unconditional gift” from Qatar, while any retrofitting costs would be covered by the U.S. government.
Reports say the Pentagon will oversee all modifications needed to make the aircraft suitable for presidential use, including installing secure communications systems. The Journal reports that defense contractor, L3Harris of Melbourne, Florida, is handling the work.
Earlier this week, Air Force One, carrying Trump and his staff to Davos, Switzerland, was forced to turn around due to a mechanical issue. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, who was on board, joked that the Qatari Jet was sounding “much better” by comparison.
Current planes
The current Air Force One fleet consists of two Boeing 747s that have been in service since the George H. W. Bush administration in 1990. Their capabilities include midair refueling, defense, defenses against air attacks and specialized communications systems.
Leavitt later added, “The new Air Force One will be a welcome donation to the United States Air Force, not just for the President, but for the entire AF1 crew.”
Boeing deal and delays
In 2018, during his first term, Trump struck a $4 billion deal with Boeing to build two new 747s for Air Force One. The program is now years behind schedule due to technical problems, supplier delays and labor shortages.
The Air Force has said the first of the two jets would not be ready until mid-2028, just months before the end of Trump’s current term.
The Qatari donation has sparked controversy and bipartisan criticism. Some lawmakers questioned whether accepting the aircraft violates the Constitution’s Foreign Emoluments Clause, which restricts officials from receiving large gifts from foreign governments without congressional approval. Others suggested Qatar may expect something in return.
Trump ally and conservative influencer Laura Loomer criticized the deal on X, writing, “We cannot accept a $400 million gift from jihadists in suits…this is going to be such a stain on the admin.“
Trump has rejected such pushback, calling the Qatari gift a generous gesture.
