The Qatari-gifted jet intended to become the new Air Force One is set to be ready for the role as soon as this summer.
Qatar gifted President Donald Trump the jet last year after he complained about the current state of Air Force One. The gift was accepted over widespread backlash, even from some allies, who raised security and ethical concerns. Though the new plane fell out of headlines for several months, officials told the Wall Street Journal on Friday that it was set to be ready for its new role as soon as this summer, following security and aesthetic renovations.
The $400 million overhaul was primarily focused on security measures, so the plane will retain most of its luxurious interior.
“By and large, the airplane that we’re getting is in the same condition from an interior perspective,” Gen. Dale White, the four-star Air Force officer tasked with the renovations, told the outlet.
Among the adjustments have been the installation of top-secret, top-quality communication gear tailored to the president’s duties. After arriving in the Air Force’s care in May 2025, the plane was taken apart to ensure there were no listening or tracking devices hidden inside, a major concern of critics who objected to the gifted aircraft on security grounds.
“The full force of the United States government and the agencies that exist inside of that government have been instrumental in allowing us to be able to make sure that it is a secure aircraft,” White said.
Aesthetically, the main changes were adjustments of signage from Arabic to English and putting the presidential seal across the aircraft. White framed the lack of aesthetic changes on cost and convenience concerns.
“I cannot understate the complexity and engineering involved in setting up the interiors for a head-of-state type airplane,” he said. “There are so few contractors in the world that can do that effectively.”
WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT QATAR’S SPRAWLING WEB OF INFLUENCE IN THE US
Qatar has fared well during the second Trump administration, assisting in several high-profile peace efforts and having Trump’s ear during the war with Iran. Its influence is balanced out by Trump’s extensive ties with Qatar’s rival, the United Arab Emirates.
Also on Friday, the U.S. State Department announced its approval of a sale of over $40 billion replenishing Qatar’s Patriot missile interceptor supply, which has run dangerously low during the Iran war.