The US Air Force unveiled the new Boeing 747-8 that will serve as Air Force One on Friday, replacing the old plane with a new design. 

The new jet is the famous $400 million Boeing 747-8, donated by Qatar to the Department of Defense to replace Air Force One, after Boeing fumbled the job with massive delays. Trump previously faced massive criticism from the Democrats and the leftwing media over the plane.

Trump defended the gift last summer in a statement, writing, “The Boeing 747 is being given to the United States Air Force/Department of Defense, NOT TO ME! It is a gift from a Nation, Qatar, that we have successfully defended for many years. It will be used by our Government as a temporary Air Force One, until such time as our new Boeings, which are very late on delivery, arrive. Why should our military, and therefore our taxpayers, be forced to pay hundreds of millions of Dollars when they can get it for FREE from a country that wants to reward us for a job well done. This big savings will be spent, instead, to MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN! Only a FOOL would not accept this gift on behalf of our Country. Thank you for your attention to this matter!”

After about a year of retrofitting to the Department of Defense’s standards, it’s finally here.

The new Air Force One pic.twitter.com/obFRtq5U26

— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) June 19, 2026

According to the US Air Force:

The Air Force’s VC-25B Bridge aircraft has officially arrived at the Presidential Airlift Group and will commence its initial commissioning flights, marking the successful delivery of a secure, modified executive platform. Fresh from receiving its new red, white, and blue livery and the final government modifications, the aircraft has entered service to provide critical, secure continuity for the commander in chief.

The delivery of the Bridge aircraft fulfills an imperative to relieve pressure on the aging VC-25A fleet as heavy maintenance cycles extend, safeguarding the continuity of presidential airlift operations until the long-term Boeing VC-25B enters service.

“The safety and security of the commander in chief is our highest priority,” said Secretary of the Air Force Troy Meink. “From the beginning, we meticulously evaluated every requirement to accelerate delivery while maintaining the high standards expected of the presidential mission. This effort proves that the U.S. Air Force can move fast without sacrificing quality, security, or reliability.”

The VC-25B Bridge aircraft has officially arrived at Joint Base Andrews!

More info: https://t.co/xhurcI0mjL pic.twitter.com/zyUpB99jqm

— U.S. Air Force (@usairforce) June 19, 2026

President Trump is about to address the media.

Watch live below:

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