One of the most iconic symbols of America is getting a makeover and upgrade in time for the nation's 250th anniversary: A controversial Qatar-donated Air Force One aircraft is set to begin ferrying President Donald Trump this summer.
The U.S. Air Force said the new 747 being delivered "this summer" will feature a red-white-blue-and-gold paint scheme. Although an announcement from the Air Force did not specify exactly when the plane would be ready, the timing coincides with July 4 Independence Day and Semiquincentennial celebrations. Trump's birthday is June 14.
The plane will feature a new paint scheme designed with Trump's input: red, white, dark blue and gold, which a major shift from the iconic white and two-toned blue livery designed by First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy.
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Although technically any airplane carrying the U.S. president is designated as Air Force One, the name has come to primarily signify the special 747s that have transported presidents starting with President George H. W. Bush. The current pair of aging presidential 747s planes are formally known as VC-25A, and the donated Qatari 747 will be designated as a VC-25B Bridge.
Aircraft manufacturer Boeing is building two new presidential 747s, which are expected to be complete in 2028, well past the initial delivery date and well above the initial price tag of $3.9 billion. During his first administration, Trump threatened to cancel the contract for the new 747s.
The U.S. Air Force said converting the Qatari 747 was necessary to keep the president safe due to the delays in getting the two new ones completed. They were originally supposed to be ready in 2024. The Qatari 747 completed flight testing and is now being painted in time for deployment this summer, the Air Force said May 1.
The current contract for the two new 747s stands at $4.4 billion, according to military purchasing records. The presidential planes are fitted with special communications equipment, hardened against nuclear blasts, and contain classified defensive measures. They can also refuel in the air, allowing them to remain aloft almost indefinitely.
"Ultimately, the Bridge aircraft fulfills a critical short-term requirement, guaranteeing the Air Force continues to execute its no-fail mission for the commander in chief while laying a rock-solid foundation for the future," Air Force officials said.
Normally, U.S. military aircraft are bought new from manufactures like Boeing to ensure they haven't been sabotaged or fitting with spyware. The Air Force said it had to develop new procedures to scan the Qatari 747 for possible security risks, and can use that expertise to buy and screen used aircraft in the future.
The Qatari 747 donation raised significant ethics concerns, as it's one of the largest gifts ever given by a foreign government to the United States. Trump previously said his administration would have been foolish not to accept it. The White House said the Qatari 747 will be transferred to Trump's presidential library once he leaves office and the newly built 747s take flight in 2028.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Trump's new Air Force One could arrive amid America 250 celebration
