Donald Trump unveils

Listen to this article in summarized format Speaking during the unveiling ceremony at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland, Trump praised the aircraft's transformation and capabilities, saying it had been completed in a remarkably short period. .@POTUS makes the inaugural exit from the BRAND NEW AIR FORCE ONE! 🔥🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/jBciB2atAV — Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) June 19, 2026 The VC-25B Bridge aircraft has officially arrived at Joint Base Andrews! — U.S. Air Force (@usairforce) June 19, 2026 More info: https://t.co/xhurcI0mjL pic.twitter.com/zyUpB99jqm The aircraft, a luxury Boeing 747, had previously generated controversy after Qatar offered it to replace the presidential jet last year. The proposal raised legal and ethical concerns as it was considered one of the largest foreign gifts ever received by the US government. .@POTUS: I want to thank especially the 250 people who worked 24/7 to prepare this plane for service — including many airmen here at Joint Base Andrews. 🇺🇸 https://t.co/cff9LWNE4W pic.twitter.com/YywqCHpnRy — Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) June 19, 2026 According to industry groups, it was estimated that the aircraft's value was approximately USD 400 million. In a statement, the US Air Force announced that the aircraft, designated the VC-25B Bridge, has officially arrived at the Presidential Airlift Group and will begin its initial commissioning flights before entering full presidential service. According to the statement issued by the US Air Force Public Affairs, the aircraft has received its new red, white and blue livery and undergone final government modifications to serve as a secure executive transport platform for the President. "The safety and security of the commander in chief is our highest priority," said Secretary of the Air Force Troy Meink. "From the beginning, we meticulously evaluated every requirement to accelerate delivery while maintaining the high standards expected of the presidential mission," he added. The Air Force said commissioning flights will serve as the aircraft's final evaluation phase, allowing the White House and military officials to validate mission capabilities and operational readiness before it joins the active executive airlift fleet alongside the existing VC-25A and C-32 aircraft. Officials emphasised that the aircraft has been equipped with advanced security systems and secure communications capabilities to ensure the President remains protected and fully connected during missions. The delivery is also expected to ease operational pressure on the ageing VC-25A fleet until Boeing's long-term VC-25B presidential aircraft programme becomes fully operational. "We are proud to deliver the VC-25B Bridge aircraft to the President," Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Ken Wilsbach said. "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," he added. (Catch all the US News, UK News, Canada News, International Breaking News Events, and Latest News Updates on The Economic Times.) Download The Economic Times News App to get Daily International News Updates. (Catch all the US News, UK News, Canada News, International Breaking News Events, and Latest News Updates on The Economic Times.) Download The Economic Times News App to get Daily International News Updates.