US prepares to retire Air Force One as Qatar-donated aircraft enters service

WASHINGTON, United States — WASHINGTON — The U.S. Air Force is preparing to retire the current Air Force One as a wide-body passenger aircraft donated by Qatar is readied to join the presidential fleet, U.S. officials said. The existing aircraft, which has served as the presidential plane for decades, is approaching the end of its operational life. The Qatar-donated aircraft will undergo an extensive overhaul in the United States to bring it into presidential configuration, including new interior fittings, communications systems and security equipment. U.S. authorities said the conversion process is expected to be lengthy given the technical work required. The Air Force has said current aircraft will remain in service during the transition to ensure uninterrupted presidential airlift capability. Officials confirmed that technical work on the donated airframe is continuing as preparations advance for its eventual entry into the fleet. Further details on the handover timeline and modification schedule were not immediately available.