On July 1, 2026, President Trump undertook his inaugural journey aboard the new Air Force One during a trip to North Dakota. This occasion marked the first flight of the Boeing 747-8, a luxury aircraft donated to the United States by the Qatari government last year.
Earlier this month, the president introduced the $400 million airplane, which replaces the military-grade 747-2 that served previous presidents for over three decades. This plane will be in service until a fresh fleet of Boeing aircraft is delivered to the Air Force in 2028.
President Trump’s schedule in North Dakota includes participating in a train ride and a welcome ceremony to commemorate America’s 250th anniversary. Additionally, he will visit the Teddy Roosevelt Presidential Library.
Prior to departure at Joint Base Andrews, President Trump emphasized the significance of the new aircraft. He noted, “this will be the first flight of what I think is maybe the greatest commercial plane ever built.”
Addressing members of the press, he expressed his excitement, saying, “I’m excited about the first flight. Nobody’s ever seen anything like it.” He highlighted the plane’s extensive security features and exceptional upgrades, remarking on the sophistication added specifically for a presidential aircraft.
President Trump assured taxpayers that the costs associated with upgrading the plane were minimal, describing it as “a gift from a country that’s treated us very well.” He contrasted the new plane with its predecessor, explaining, “it would be parked next to the new ones like this and it really didn’t look appropriate for our country.”
The president emphasized national pride in acquiring this new symbol of executive travel, asserting that “the country’s very proud of it.”