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New Air Force One Set for Early 2026 Debut, Trump Says

Qatari 747-8 is on track to replace older VC-25s.

Qatari 747-8
The Boeing 747-8 now serving as the new Air Force One, when it was owned by the Qatari royal family. [Credit: Shutterstock/Oleksandr Naumenko]
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Key Takeaways:

  • The U.S. government has accepted an unconditional donation of a Boeing 747-8i from the Qatari royal family to serve as a new presidential transport aircraft, potentially debuting as early as next year.
  • This donated jet aims to replace the current 35-year-old presidential planes more quickly and potentially save taxpayer money compared to the delayed Air Force One program.
  • The aircraft will undergo extensive and costly retrofitting by L3Harris, including installing secure communication systems, missile defenses, aerial refueling capabilities, and protection against electromagnetic pulse attacks.
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A new presidential transport aircraft may make its debut as early as next year.

ABC News reported this week that the U.S. government has accepted the “unconditional donation” of a Boeing 747-8i belonging to the Qatari royal family

Ryan Ewing

Ryan is Sr. Director of Digital for Firecrown's Aviation Group. In 2013, he founded AirlineGeeks.com, a leading trade publication covering the airline industry. Since then, his work has been featured in several publications and news outlets, including CNN, WJLA, CNET, and Business Insider. During his time in the airline industry, he's worked in roles pertaining to airport/airline operations while holding a B.S. in Air Transportation Management from Arizona State University along with an MBA. Previously, he worked for a Part 135 operator and later a major airline. Ryan is also an Adjunct Instructor at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.

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