Trump flies aboard the new Air Force One for the first time

Trump flies aboard the new Air Force One for the first time

Trump flies aboard the new Air Force One for the first time

On Air Force One’s inaugural flight, the new VC-25B “bridge” aircraft brought President Donald Trump to North Dakota.

On July 1, the U.S. Air Force’s VC-25B Bridge aircraft, a radically modified 747-8 gifted by Qatar, made its maiden flight as ‘Air Force One’ to take President Trump and his staff to Bismarck Municipal Airport in North Dakota for the opening of the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library and other America’s 250th anniversary celebrations.

Images of the first flight were shared online by members of the President’s staff who got the opportunity to board the VC-25B for a flight from Joint Base Andrews.

Interestingly, one of the U.S. Air Force’s two VC-25A 92-9000s was used as a backup aircraft for this trip. This is consistent with previous reports that the aircraft had made its final presidential sortie scheduled for June 18. As we explained, White House staff posted a tribute to the aircraft on social media after it brought President Donald Trump home from the G7 summit in France, explaining: It will be 82-8000 soon. It will soon return to service after a period of overhaul and upgrade, with the 92-9000 moving into a backup role.

The VC-25B bridge operated by the U.S. Air Force has serial number 25-3300. The aircraft originally carried the Qatari registration A7-HJA and then A7-HJB. Qatar Amiri Flight stored the jet and re-registered it as P4-HBJ. Then transferred to the United States and given U.S. Civilian registration N7478D.

The aircraft is using a somewhat controversial new paint scheme that is a modification of the paint President Trump chose for the VC-25B during his first term. This decision was reversed by the Biden administration, which preferred an updated variation of the iconic bright blue and white livery currently worn by the VC-25A, and then again by the current Trump administration.

In a speech unveiling the aircraft, President Trump confirmed plans to include the jet in a July 4 flight over Washington, D.C., along with F-22 Raptors, F-35 Lightning II and other military aircraft. The B-21 Raider, on the other hand, will not be taking part in the flyover, despite some social media posts from Northrop Grumman appearing to suggest the sixth-generation bomber may make a public appearance over the capital.

VC-25B bridge aircraft

The VC-25B bridge aircraft arrived at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland, in early June 2026 after a secret night flight to avoid revealing the new livery before an official ceremony. The aircraft was officially unveiled on June 19.

Afterwards, the VC-25B bridge began a series of certification flights ahead of its official launch with the Presidential Air Corps of the 89th Airlift Wing. The controversial aircraft, a modified 747-8i donated by Qatar, underwent a rapid conversion process with minimal changes to serve as a “bridge” until the full-scale VC-25B entered service.

Critics have highlighted the security risks that could arise from using aircraft transferred from other countries to fly the US president. However, the Air Force explained that “elite experts from multiple government agencies have developed advanced protocols to detect and, if necessary, neutralize potential technical hazards in previously owned aircraft.”

“The safety and security of the Commander-in-Chief is our top priority,” said Air Force Secretary Troy Maink. “From the beginning, we have meticulously evaluated all requirements to accelerate delivery while maintaining the high standards expected of the President’s mission. These efforts demonstrate that the U.S. Air Force can move quickly without sacrificing quality, security or reliability.”

Fielding the VC-25B bridge aircraft could be considered a “forced decision” because the Air Force needed an option to avoid a capability gap in the presidential transport mission. In fact, the service explains, interim capabilities have become absolutely critical as Boeing VC-25B deliveries fall behind their initial 2024 target and the VC-25A major maintenance cycle extends.

Despite the unusual public controversy surrounding the aircraft, details about its modifications are still scarce. The Air Force has so far declined to discuss specific fixes or whether requirements have been adjusted to speed delivery.

However, the Air Force has confirmed that the fighter jet is equipped with at least some advanced communications and self-defense capabilities, but it remains to be seen whether this is sufficient to allow the aircraft to be used for international travel. Unconfirmed rumors suggest the aircraft may be limited to flights within the United States.

The U.S. Air Force aircraft, commonly designated Air Force One, receives extensive upgrades, including enhanced defenses, secure and redundant communications systems, and survivability enhancements to support the President’s command and control in the event of a national emergency or nuclear conflict.

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