Trump unveils new Air Force One, a $400 million plane gifted by Qatar [View all]
Source: CBS News
Updated on: June 19, 2026 / 4:45 PM EDT / CBS News
Washington — President Trump on Friday unveiled the Boeing 747-8 that will serve as the new Air Force One, providing the first look at the $400 million luxury plane that the U.S. accepted as a gift from the Qatari government last year.
Mr. Trump descended the stairs from the hulking jet inside a hangar at Joint Base Andrews, the military post outside Washington that has served as the presidential airport for decades. He greeted Air Force officials and delivered remarks to a crowd of service members. "There will never be one like this. This is very unique. This is considered the world's most luxurious plane," the president said. "When it was built, it was built at a level that will probably never be seen again."
President Trump speaks after touring the newly designated Air Force One presidential aircraft at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland on Friday, June 19, 2026.
AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta
Mr. Trump said the hangar in which he was speaking had to be specially constructed to house the new jet, which is much larger than the previous plane. He added later that the new version will lead a massive flyover of Washington on July 4, the nation's 250th birthday.
The Air Force said in a release that the aircraft will soon begin embarking on "commissioning flights," its "final exam" before it can be used to transport the president.
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