President Trump boarded the newly unveiled Air Force One on Wednesday, marking the first flight of the aircraft for the commander in chief.
The flight was set for Medora, North Dakota, where Trump will join celebrations commemorating the United States’ 250th anniversary.
During the trip, he is scheduled to participate in the Freedom 250 Train Ride, attend a welcome ceremony, tour the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library, and speak at the Burning Hills Amphitheater.
The jet, a Boeing 747‑8, represents the first time Trump has flown on the new presidential aircraft, which was revealed last month.
The 747‑8, valued at $400 million, was donated by Qatar after Boeing encountered significant delays in its production schedule.
In interviews with reporters, Trump highlighted the plane’s advanced capabilities, describing it as the “greatest commercial plane ever built” and expressing pride in its design and security features.
He also addressed the aircraft’s cost, noting that the donation saved taxpayers from a larger expense and emphasized the partnership that enabled the upgrade.
The U.S. Air Force announced the jet’s entry into service following a new red, white, and blue paint scheme and final government modifications.
The introduction of the updated Air Force One underscores the ongoing modernization of presidential transportation assets and the importance of national security continuity.
