Story perspectives

Qatar-Donated 747 Bridge Aircraft Test Flies, $400M Retrofit Sparks Skepticism

6/19/2026

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Cheung Posts

White House director Steve Cheung and Deputy Chief Dan Scavino posted X messages after the VC-25A landed near Washington Thursday.
A Qatar-donated Boeing 747-800 retrofitted as a bridge aircraft completed test flight on June 10 from Majors Airport in Greenville, Texas.
Air Force Secretary Troy Meink told lawmakers the retrofit will likely cost under $400 million.
Lawmakers and security officials voiced skepticism, citing potential vulnerabilities and extensive modification needs.

Right

Trump Keeps Model

President Donald Trump keeps a model of Qatar-gifted 747 on his coffee table and will display it at presidential library.
A debut flight on Qatar-gifted 747 to Mount Rushmore in July is being weighed by President Donald Trump for 250th-anniversary.
The retired VC-25A remains serviceable and could still serve as Air Force One if needed.
White House posted farewell photos, saying the Qatar jet’s price raises ethical and security concerns.

History

Historical Context

President Kennedy’s 1962 introduction of the Boeing VC-137C (SAM 26000) created the first dedicated presidential jet, later succeeded by the VC-25A 747-200B in 1990. In 2015 the Air Force chose the Boeing 747-8 platform for the next VC-25B, estimating a $3.2 billion program cost, while Qatar’s donated 747-800 bridge aircraft now faces a $400 million retrofit and security review by officials such as Steve Cheung.

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Cheung Posts

White House director Steve Cheung and Deputy Chief Dan Scavino posted X messages after the VC-25A landed near Washington Thursday.
A Qatar-donated Boeing 747-800 retrofitted as a bridge aircraft completed test flight on June 10 from Majors Airport in Greenville, Texas.
Air Force Secretary Troy Meink told lawmakers the retrofit will likely cost under $400 million.
Lawmakers and security officials voiced skepticism, citing potential vulnerabilities and extensive modification needs.

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