Washington: A luxury aircraft gifted by Qatar to the United States has officially been added to the US presidential fleet. The unveiling ceremony for the aircraft was attended by US President Donald Trump.
The aircraft has now become part of the presidential fleet, and the new Air Force One is expected to begin test flights soon. According to US media reports, approximately $900 million was spent on security upgrades and technical modifications to prepare the aircraft for presidential use.
Speaking at the ceremony, President Trump said the new Air Force One is significantly larger than the 35-year-old aircraft it is replacing. He added that many other countries already operate modern presidential aircraft, making it necessary for the United States to upgrade its fleet as well.
Trump also highlighted the aircraft’s updated exterior design, noting that the American flag has been incorporated in a waving style. He remarked that the previous straight-line flag design was something he never particularly liked.
It is worth noting that Qatar gifted the luxury Boeing 747 aircraft to the United States a year ago. The aircraft is now set to serve as the country’s newest presidential transport after undergoing extensive modifications.