Overview
- The unveiling took place on Friday at Joint Base Andrews after the 747, accepted from Qatar in May 2025, was repainted and fitted with final government modifications.
- The U.S. Air Force says the plane must complete test flights and official checks at Andrews before it can join the active presidential fleet or carry the president under the 'Air Force One' call sign.
- The aircraft was formally transferred to the Department of Defense to address bribery concerns, a move the administration says limits personal benefit but that Democrats call insufficient and illegal under gift rules.
- Officials and the president described the jet as far larger and faster than the old planes and said it has new secure communications and reported missile‑defense systems; analysts estimate its post‑refit value could approach $1 billion.
- The White House announced plans to use the plane for a July 4 flyover and for an early‑July trip to the NATO summit in Ankara, which raises urgency for the remaining tests and approvals.