The U.S. Air Force announced Friday night that it has completed upgrades and testing on a Boeing 747 provided by Qatar for temporary use as Air Force One, with plans for President Donald Trump to begin flying on the aircraft later this summer.

In a statement, the Air Force said the plane is currently being repainted in red, white, and blue as part of its conversion for presidential use.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth accepted the aircraft last year, despite scrutiny over the propriety and legality of receiving such a high-value gift from a foreign government, along with concerns related to security and intelligence risks. Trump has argued that accepting the plane would reduce costs for taxpayers.

Trump has indicated he will not continue using the aircraft after leaving office, saying instead that it would be transferred to a future presidential library, similar to the Boeing 707 flown by President Ronald Reagan, which was later retired and placed on display.

According to Air Force officials, the jet will serve as a temporary solution until Boeing delivers two new presidential aircraft, now projected to arrive in 2028.

The current Air Force One fleet has been in service for nearly 40 years, and Trump has made replacing them a priority. During his first term, he showcased a model of a redesigned jumbo jet in the Oval Office, featuring a paint scheme similar to that of his personal aircraft, with red, white, and dark blue accents.

Boeing has been working to convert 747s that were originally built for a now-defunct Russian airline, but the effort has been plagued by years of delays. Challenges have included the bankruptcy of a key subcontractor and ongoing difficulties in recruiting and retaining workers who can obtain the necessary high-level security clearances.

Completion of the new aircraft is not expected until late in Trump’s term. He has described the situation as “a total mess,” and has complained that the current Air Force One planes do not compare favorably with those used by certain Arab leaders.

The Qatari aircraft, valued at roughly $400 million, has been characterized as a “palace in the sky,” featuring high-end amenities and luxury finishes.

Even so, officials emphasize that safety remains the top priority in presidential travel. The existing Air Force One planes were constructed toward the end of the Cold War and are designed to withstand extreme scenarios, including a nuclear blast. They are outfitted with advanced defensive systems such as missile countermeasures, along with an onboard medical facility. The planes also have the capability for midair refueling, although that feature has never been used with a president aboard.

It remains unclear what specific security systems have been installed on the former Qatari jet. The Air Force has not disclosed the cost of the modifications, though members of Congress suggested last year that expenses could exceed $1 billion.

To prepare crews for the aircraft, Air Force officials said they leased a 747-8 cargo plane from Atlas Air between October and February for training purposes. The U.S. has also acquired two jets from the German airline Lufthansa to be used for parts and additional training. Boeing ended production of the 747 in 2023.

{Matzav.com}