Trump's new Air Force One explained: Cost, controversy, and key upgrades

WASHINGTON, DC: Even before the flight, Donald Trump was already on cloud nine as he unveiled the new Air Force One, a lavish former Qatari jumbo jet that has undergone a dramatic transformation into the official US presidential aircraft.

Describing it as "a flying White House," the 80-year-old president took the curtain off the luxurious plane as he introduced it to the reporters at a hangar at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland on Friday, June 19.

"The workmanship of this plane is — when you see it, you won't believe it," Trump said in remarks to an audience of service members. "Actually, the quality of the woods, the quality of the materials, the quality of the engines ‒ these engines are the finest in the world. Nothing like it."

Built from a Boeing 747-8 airliner, the new VC-25B Air Force One replaces a Boeing 747-200 that was completed in 1990 and served as Air Force One for six presidents, dating back to George H. W. Bush.

Trump insisted that his decision to seek a new Air Force One stems from mounting frustration with delays to Boeing's Air Force One replacement program and comparisons that left the aging presidential fleet looking outdated next to the sleek jets used by foreign leaders.

"I asked the Emir if we could use the brand new 747," Trump said, noting the aircraft had relatively few flight hours and describing the current presidential fleet as aging.

Cost of upgrading the new Air Force One

The aircraft was originally gifted to Trump by the Qatari government last year, a move he defended as a "very public and transparent transaction."

Although the aircraft itself came at no cost as a gift from a foreign government, the rush to transform it into Air Force One triggered fierce budget debates in Congress.

The Pentagon initially projected the security upgrades would cost roughly $400 million, but the project drew fierce scrutiny after reports surfaced of a mysterious $934 million transfer from a classified missile defense program to speed up the aircraft's conversion, according to Newsweek.

The aircraft spans an imposing 250 feet, 2 inches in length, roughly 18 feet longer than its predecessor, and features a sprawling 224-foot, 5-inch wingspan.

While maintaining much of the luxurious interior, defense contractor L3Harris Technologies subjected the carrier to an extensive military transformation to meet the rigorous requirements of presidential service.

The upgrade includes advancing the commercial frame with anti-missile defense systems, severe weather hardening, and secure, encrypted satellite communications capabilities to ensure the commander-in-chief maintains uninterrupted global command.

Upgrading from the previous JFK-era robin's egg blue scheme, the aircraft unveiled a bold new look with a deep navy underbelly, a crisp white upper fuselage, and a striking red stripe.

Reporters invited aboard the aircraft described an opulent interior featuring rich wood paneling, gold-toned accents, and tan-and-gold seating throughout the cabin.

They also noticed a private suite with lounge-style seating near the front of the aircraft before passing a conference room featuring a large table, a painting of the Washington Monument overlooking the Reflecting Pool, and a decorative bookcase surrounding a television screen.

The aircraft's press cabin occupies the full width of the rear section and features 24 seats spread across three distinct zones, each outfitted with its own entertainment screen. Reporters noted the space appeared considerably roomier than the press area on the current Air Force One.

Controversy around the new lavish Air Force One

The new luxurious Air Force One has been at the center of controversy since the US Department of Defense accepted it to be used as part of a fleet of planes dubbed Air Force One.

The details that Trump had received the aircraft as a gift last year triggered bipartisan criticism, with even some of his allies questioning the arrangement.

Critics argued that accepting such a valuable asset created potential conflicts of interest and raised constitutional concerns.

While federal law indicates that US officials can only accept gifts under $480, the White House has insisted that accepting the aircraft is legal and pledged that it will be donated to Trump's presidential library once he leaves office.

"The workmanship of this plane is when you see it, you won't believe it," Trump said in his speech.

"Actually, the quality of woods, the quality of the materials, the quality of the engines - these engines are the finest, they're the best in the world, nothing like it."