Qatari Luxury Jet Becomes US Air Force One 'Bridge' Aircraft

The US Air Force has unveiled its new 'bridge' aircraft, which will serve as Air Force One until two purpose-built jets arrive in 2028. The VC-25B was donated by Qatar to the US government in 2025 and converted by L3Harris over a ten-month period.

The Boeing 747-8 airframe, built in 2012 for Qatar's Amiri Flight, has undergone significant modifications to make it suitable for presidential transport. The aircraft now features a deep navy underbelly, a red stripe, the presidential seal by the door, and a large American flag on the tail.

The VC-25B replaces the traditional robin's-egg blue livery worn by every Air Force One since 1962, designed for John F. Kennedy's presidency. The new paint scheme marks a significant break with tradition, but its primary function remains the same: to safely transport the president anywhere in the world while maintaining constant contact with the US government.