US President Donald Trump on Friday (local time) introduced a new presidential aircraft, a customised Boeing 747 presented by Qatar, describing it as a state-of-the-art “flying White House” and one of the most technologically advanced planes ever flown by the United States.
Addressing attendees at the launch event at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland, Trump commended the extensive modifications made to the aircraft and said the project had been completed in an exceptionally short amount of time.
What did Trump say?
“This plane was transformed into a flying at a level of luxury that nobody’s ever seen before, probably even almost outside of an airplane. Nobody’s ever seen anything like this, and in only 10 months, a timeframe no one thought possible,” said, reported ANI.
While reflecting on the aircraft’s capabilities, Trump remarked, “Our pilots, designers, and engineers prepared an aircraft that is the largest Air Force One ever built. It flies further and faster than any Air Force One ever, and which is among the most beautiful aircraft the Air Force will ever see or operate.”
The luxury Boeing 747 had sparked row after Qatar offered it as a replacement for the presidential aircraft last year. The proposal drew legal and ethical scrutiny, as it was viewed as one of the most valuable foreign gifts ever extended to the US government.
Trump defended the decision to accept the aircraft, arguing that he would be “stupid” to turn down the offer.
Industry estimates placed the value of the aircraft at around USD 400 million, the report noted.
During the ceremony, Trump expressed gratitude to the Emir of Qatar for the aircraft and toured the plane, highlighting its renovated interiors and enhanced features.
In a statement, theconfirmed that the aircraft, designated the VC-25B Bridge, has been delivered to the Presidential Airlift Group and will undergo initial commissioning flights before being placed into full presidential service.
According to the US Air Force Public Affairs statement, the aircraft has been repainted in its new red, white and blue color scheme and completed the final government modifications required to operate as a secure executive transport aircraft for the President.
“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,” he mentioned.
The Air Force said the commissioning flights will mark the aircraft’s final testing stage, enabling White House and military officials to assess its mission capabilities and overall readiness before it enters active service alongside the existing VC-25A and C-32 executive transport aircraft.
Officials noted that the aircraft has been fitted with advanced security features and secure communication systems to ensure the President remains protected and able to maintain constant connectivity while traveling.
The addition of the aircraft is also expected to reduce the operational burden on the ageing VC-25A fleet until Boeing’s long-term VC-25B presidential aircraft programme is fully deployed.
Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Ken Wilsbach stated, “We are proud to deliver the VC-25B Bridge aircraft to the President”, adding, “Many thought it could not be done, but the United States Air Force was able to execute and provide a secure, reliable airborne command post on an accelerated timeline”.
(With inputs from agency)
