US President Donald Trump has publicly unveiled for the first time a Boeing 747 donated by Qatar for use as the new presidential plane. The plane is based at Andrews Air Force Base near Washington.
According to Trump, the return from the G7 summit was his last flight on the current presidential plane. During the presentation, he repeatedly expressed his admiration for the new plane.
“The biggest and best in every way. A flying White House with a level of luxury that has never been seen before,” the US President said.
The new Air Force One is expected to make a ceremonial flyover over the US capital on July 4 during the celebration of the country’s 250th anniversary along with other aircraft.
The cost of the plane is estimated at $400 million. At the same time, the conversion of the aircraft for the needs of the head of state, according to experts, could cost more than $ 1 billion.
The transfer of the aircraft has drawn criticism from representatives of both major US political parties. The remarks concern security and ethical aspects, as well as Trump’s intentions to transfer the aircraft to the presidential library in his name after the end of his term, rather than leaving it for further use by his successors.
It is reported that initially the US Presidential Administration considered the possibility of purchasing a Boeing 747 from Qatar for its conversion, but later the project was transformed into a free transfer of the aircraft. In the US, this aircraft is called one of the most expensive gifts ever received by a state official.
