President Donald Trump voiced frustration over the age of his official aircraft while returning from a diplomatic tour, stating that newer models are on the horizon, as he faced bipartisan backlash for considering a lavish private jet offered by Qatar.
During a high-profile trip across the Middle East, Trump promoted U.S. aerospace exports, lamented the aging presidential plane, and sparked controversy by weighing whether to accept a $400 million aircraft from a foreign government, the New York Post reported.
Trump concluded a three-nation tour of the Middle East by flying home aboard one of the current Air Force One Boeing jets, both of which have served the U.S. presidency for over four decades. Speaking at a business event in Abu Dhabi before his return, the 47th president expressed his dissatisfaction with the plane’s age and emphasized that newer replacements were expected in the coming years.
“I leave now and get onto a 42-year-old Boeing. But new ones are coming. New ones are coming,” Trump told attendees at the event, referencing aircraft that are not anticipated to be operational until at least 2027. Earlier in the week, he described himself as “disappointed” that the Air Force One upgrade would take several more years.
The president’s comments come amid rising concern in Washington over a separate aircraft issue—Trump’s openness to accepting an ultra-luxurious jet from Qatar’s government. The plane in question is estimated to be worth $400 million and has been described in some circles as a “palace on wings.”
Though the administration has not confirmed whether the gift will be accepted, Trump previously made waves by stating that “only a fool” would turn down such a high-end aircraft. The remark drew ire from lawmakers on both sides of the aisle, who have raised ethical and diplomatic concerns about accepting valuable offers from foreign governments.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune and Republican Senator Rand Paul were among those who questioned the wisdom and legality of accepting such a substantial gift. Prominent conservative voices, including talk-show host Mark Levin and former White House press secretary Ari Fleischer, added to the chorus of criticism.
Observers have noted that the jet controversy threatens to undercut Trump’s business-focused diplomatic efforts during the trip. Nonetheless, the president maintained a focus on American industry throughout his Middle East tour.
While in the region, Trump secured significant commercial victories for American manufacturers. Qatar Airways and UAE-based Etihad Airways announced orders for a combined total of 238 Boeing passenger jets. The deals’ combined value exceeds $110 billion, offering a notable win for U.S. aerospace exports.
At a business forum marking the final day of the trip, Trump praised Boeing’s work and acknowledged the challenges the company has faced in recent years. “Boeing makes the best plane, and they’ve had some headaches over the past years,” he remarked to a crowd of international business leaders.
During the same event in Qatar, Trump appeared alongside Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg and used the occasion to highlight his administration’s focus on defense manufacturing. He drew attention to the development of the F-47, a new fighter aircraft partially named to honor his place in presidential history.
In addition to the F-47, Trump expressed interest in awarding Boeing a contract to produce an as-yet undisclosed military aircraft, the F-55 fighter jet. While no specific details about the proposed contract were disclosed publicly, the intent signals a continued partnership between the administration and the aerospace giant.
The announcement came just days before Trump’s critical remarks about his current presidential aircraft reignited debate over the modernization timeline. The Air Force One replacements are slated to enter service in roughly two years after delays and cost concerns have slowed development.
Some analysts suggest the timing of Trump’s comments on the Air Force One jets could be perceived as attempting to justify acceptance of the Qatar plane. However, White House officials have downplayed any connection, stating that the two issues are being handled separately by appropriate legal and ethics teams.
The development of the next generation of Air Force One aircraft will continue under previously announced contracts, with Boeing maintaining its role as the primary contractor. The target delivery date remains 2027, though further updates are expected in the coming months. Until then, Trump will continue traveling aboard the retrofitted Boeing VC-25s that have served presidents since the early 1990s. Despite their age, the aircraft remain among the most secure and technologically advanced flying offices in the world.
