United States President Donald Trump has commissioned a luxurious private aircraft after abandoning expectations for Boeing’s delivery of an upgraded Air Force One.
According to The Wall Street Journal, the president is acquiring an L3Harris aircraft, previously owned by Qatar’s government, featuring suites, premium carpeting, and leather seating arrangements.
The aircraft’s luxurious interior, designed by the prestigious French firm Alberto Pinto Cabinet, features gold-toned walls and furnishings, similar to Trump’s residence in Trump Tower, New York Post reported.
L3Harris is currently modifying the aircraft to incorporate undisclosed presidential-grade systems.
The aircraft, previously valued at $400 million, will serve as a temporary solution whilst Trump awaits Boeing’s completion of the current presidential fleet upgrades.
Trump aims to acquire the aircraft by early autumn and maintains regular contact with the company for progress updates, as reported by The Wall Street Journal.
Trump approached the Florida contractor after Boeing indicated they couldn’t replace the Air Force One fleet during his presidency.
Boeing has been working on the two ageing aircraft since 2017, when Trump, during his first term, granted the company a $3.9 billion contract for replacement aircraft, designated as VC-25A by the military and known as Air Force One when carrying the president.
“US President Donald Trump waves as he boards Air Force One at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland on April 29, 2025 as he departs for a rally in Michigan to mark his 100th day in office.”
The fleet, dating back to George H.W. Bush’s administration, requires extensive maintenance. Boeing has fallen significantly behind on the $3.9 billion project, now projecting completion by 2035.
Originally scheduled for completion last year, the project has encountered numerous supplier, engineering and manufacturing delays, resulting in billions in cost overruns.
Trump’s administration considered contract termination before taking office in January, with Elon Musk reportedly pressing Boeing executives, which “made some executives at Boeing uncomfortable,” according to Wall Street Journal sources.
In February, Trump inspected the Qatari-owned 747 in West Palm Beach, suggesting he might purchase it as his long-awaited replacement aircraft.
“I’m not happy with Boeing,” he reportedly stated.
