Washington: A Boeing 747-8 originally built for Qatar’s royal family and later gifted by the Emir of Qatar to the United States has officially joined the US Air Force’s presidential fleet.

The aircraft, known as the VC-25B “Bridge” aircraft, arrived at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland and will undergo final testing before entering service. It is intended to support the ageing VC-25A fleet, which has been flying US presidents since the early 1990s.

Valued at around $400 million, the luxury jet was initially configured as a VVIP aircraft for Qatar’s ruling House of Thani. The plane was acquired after President Donald Trump reportedly grew frustrated with delays to Boeing’s long-awaited Air Force One replacement programme, now expected years behind schedule.

The Air Force retained much of the aircraft’s luxury interior while installing secure communications systems, defensive capabilities and other classified upgrades required for presidential transport.

Officials said the aircraft will help ensure uninterrupted presidential airlift operations until the next-generation VC-25B fleet enters service. The jet is currently undergoing commissioning flights and mission testing before carrying its first presidential passengers.