The VC-25B Bridge aircraft donated by the Qatari government arrives at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland. (USAF via SWNS)
By Dean Murray
President Donald Trump has unveiled his new Air Force One.
The new Boeing 747-8 jet — valued at an estimated $400 million — was donated by the Qatari government last year as an "unconditional" gift.
Trump said in a speech at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland on Friday (6/19): "This plane was transformed into a flying White House at a level of luxury that nobody's ever seen before."
The current, soon to be retired, Air Force one lands at Nashville International Airport, on May 29, 2018 in Nashville. (TSgt. Danielle Hopkins / USAF via SWNS)
The aircraft bears a new red, white and blue livery and has undergone final government modifications.
The US Air Force said the jet will begin commissioning flights as a "final exam" for the aircraft modification before it is used to transport the president.
The Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs said: "The delivery of the Bridge aircraft fulfills an imperative to relieve pressure on the aging VC-25A fleet as heavy maintenance cycles extend, safeguarding the continuity of presidential airlift operations until the long-term Boeing VC-25B enters service."
The "new Air Force One" looks a bit different than it's older version. (USAF via SWNS)
Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Ken Wilsbach said: "We are proud to deliver the VC-25B Bridge aircraft to the President.
"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."
The current Air Force One fleet, based on modified Boeing 747-200 aircraft introduced in the early 1990s, is being retired due to rising maintenance demands and aging systems.
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