First peek inside Trump's swish new $400m Air Force One: That new-plane smell and a LOT of gold

By JAMES GORDON, US NEWS REPORTER Published: 06:57, 20 June 2026 | Updated: 07:13, 20 June 2026 President Donald Trump unveiled his swanky new $400 million Air Force One on Friday, with reporters granted their first look inside the controversial aircraft. The former Qatari royal jet, transformed for presidential use in less than a year, is awash with leather, polished wood and gold-colored accents, while offering a far roomier press cabin than the aging aircraft it is set to replace. Trump proudly showed off the jumbo jet at Joint Base Andrews declaring: 'There will never be one like this. This is considered the world's most luxurious plane.' A new Boeing 747-8 is valued at about $400 million and the secretary of the Air Force said last year that the cost of retrofitting the gifted plane would be 'probably less than $400 million'. From plush tan carpets and oversized leather chairs to expansive conference rooms and touches of gold throughout the cabin, the jumbo jet bears all the hallmarks of the luxury aesthetic that has long defined Trump's personal brand.  The jet projects exactly the image Trump wants the presidency to project: wealth, power, prestige and American swagger at 40,000 feet.  During a brief tour of the plane, journalists found plush carpets, oversized leather seating, patriotic artwork, giant television screens and conference rooms that looked more suited to a Fortune 500 board meeting than a government airplane.  The aircraft, which the Air Force says was modified to meet presidential security requirements, will serve as a temporary Air Force One while Boeing struggles to deliver a long-delayed replacement fleet that is still not expected to arrive until at least 2028. Technically an aircraft is only classified as Air Force One while a sitting president is on board. President Trump's new Air Force One sits inside a hangar at Joint Base Andrews after receiving a fresh red, white, blue and gold paint scheme inspired by the president's preferred design  President Donald Trump applauds as he tours the VC-25B aircraft gifted by Qatar that will be used as Air Force One, after unveiling the aircraft he has described as a 'flying White House' The president stands atop the staircase of the former Qatari royal jet during Friday's dramatic unveiling at Joint Base Andrews Should taxpayer money be used for such extravagant upgrades to the president’s plane? What's your view?The moment you step inside, it is clear this is not the Air Force One Americans have known for decades. Gone is the understated feel associated with the aging presidential fleet. In its place is a design palette dominated by creams, tans, light browns and gold accents. The cabin carries what can only be described as that unmistakable new-plane smell. Light tan leather seating fills much of the interior. Matching tables, some round and others square, are positioned throughout the aircraft, creating the feel of an upscale boardroom rather than a government jet. The walls are awash in warm neutral tones. Shades of tan blend into light browns and muted golds, while yellow-gold light fixtures add a distinctly luxurious touch. Rich wooden cabinetry lines portions of the aircraft, with polished panels and storage compartments stretching along the walls. Even in the brief tour, it was obvious that no expense had been spared. Warm lighting and gold-toned finishes are visible through the aircraft doorway as Trump greets guests during Friday's unveiling Before its conversion for use as Air Force One, the aircraft featured a sweeping staircase connecting multiple levels of the luxury VIP interior. Air Force officials said much of layout was retained  Large leather recliners were among the luxury features aboard the aircraft before its conversion for presidential use. Officials say many elements of the original interior remain   Plush leather seating lined the cabin before the aircraft underwent modifications to meet presidential security requirements The aircraft's spacious lounge area offered a glimpse of the VIP accommodations previously enjoyed by members of Qatar's royal family  A private conference room with oversized leather chairs formed part of the aircraft's original executive layout, much of which was preserved during the conversion Wide aisles and premium leather seating highlighted the jet's luxury credentials before it was transformed into a presidential aircraft. One of several lounge areas aboard the former royal aircraft, which Trump has praised for the quality of its materials and craftsmanship Elegant sofas, polished woodwork and designer furnishings showcased the jet's palatial interior before its transition to government service The aircraft's executive lounge featured conference-style seating suitable for high-level meetings at 40,000 feet The private lounge is located on the same deck as the 747's master bedroom  and guest bedroom The front section of the aircraft remained off limits to visiting journalists. From a distance, however, the area appeared to contain what looked like an executive suite befitting the commander-in-chief. Several staircases hinted at additional areas above and below the main deck, but reporters were not permitted access. Further into the aircraft sat a sizable conference room. At least four large leather captain's chairs surrounded a square conference table while a large television dominated one wall. The room looked ready for everything from national security briefings to last-minute diplomatic negotiations. Decor throughout the aircraft leaned heavily patriotic. One framed print depicted a duck gliding through the Reflecting Pool as the evening sun sank behind it. Other artwork carried similar American themes. Underfoot, plush carpeting in varying shades of tan and brown softened every step. Two giant American flags hang above the aircraft as Trump unveiled what he called 'the world's most luxurious plane' Trump salutes Air Force personnel during the unveiling ceremony for the $400 million aircraft gifted by Qatar The presidential seal is displayed on the fuselage of the aircraft, which will serve as a temporary Air Force One while Boeing completes the next-generation fleet several years away Attentive reporters even noticed presidential seals embossed onto the seat belts. For journalists accustomed to long-haul presidential travel, perhaps the biggest surprise of the tour came in the press cabin. Veteran Air Force One reporters immediately remarked that the space felt significantly larger than the press area aboard the existing presidential aircraft. Rows of roomy medium-brown leather seats filled the compartment. Unlike traditional airline seating, the chairs were notably wider and more comfortable. Officials later revealed the cabin also features lay-flat seats, although reporters were not given the opportunity to test them out. The unveiling marked the culmination of a project that moved at remarkable speed. According to a Marine Corps two-star general involved with the program, work on the former Qatari aircraft began only last August. He told reporters he had never seen a conversion completed so quickly. Pilots appeared equally enthusiastic. When asked how the aircraft handles in the air, one pilot responded with a broad smile that suggested the answer spoke for itself. Trump delivered a speech standing in front of the VC-25B aircraft gifted by Qatar that will be used as Air Force One, at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland, on Friday  Hundreds of service members look on as Trump introduces the new presidential aircraft The new Air Force One presidential aircraft is expected to enter service ahead of next month's NATO summit then take part in July 4th celebrations Outside, the jet is every bit as distinctive as the interior. The aircraft abandons the iconic Kennedy-era robin's egg blue design in favor of Trump's preferred color scheme. A dark navy underbelly stretches beneath the fuselage, topped by a bold red stripe.  The presidential seal sits near the boarding area while a giant American flag dominates the tail. The look closely mirrors Trump's personal aircraft, often referred to as 'Trump Force One.' Standing before hundreds of Air Force personnel inside a hangar at Joint Base Andrews, Trump could barely contain his enthusiasm. 'This plane was transformed into a flying White House at a level of luxury that nobody has ever seen before,' he said. 'When you see it, you won't believe it, actually, the quality of woods, the quality of the materials, the quality of the engines.' Trump repeatedly praised the aircraft's performance, declaring: 'There will never be one like this. This is considered the world's most luxurious plane.' President Trump looked pleased with himself as he unveiled the new Air Force One aircraft The aircraft abandons the iconic Kennedy-era robin's egg blue design in favor of Trump's preferred color scheme Red has been been used for Air Force One in the past. JFK used to travel on this plane in 1962 The president said the aircraft will make its international debut next month at the NATO summit in Turkey before participating in Independence Day celebrations. 'Now, when we land at airports in London and in Germany and different places, nobody tops this one, and that's the way we have to have it for our country,' Trump said. The aircraft's arrival comes amid years of delays to Boeing's long-promised replacement Air Force One fleet. The original replacement planes were expected in 2024 but have since been pushed back until at least 2028. Trump acknowledged the frustration. 'We were in a little bit of a logjam,' he said on Friday. The administration has described the Qatari aircraft as a temporary bridge until the next-generation presidential fleet is completed. The comments below have not been moderated. The views expressed in the contents above are those of our users and do not necessarily reflect the views of MailOnline. By posting your comment you agree to our house rules. Do you want to automatically post your MailOnline comments to your Facebook Timeline? Your comment will be posted to MailOnline as usual. 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