local
Retrofitted Qatari jet takes flight as Air Force One for Trump's trip to North Dakota
By Julia Demaree Nikhinson And Josh Boak, Associated Press at KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) — San Antonio
· July 1, 2026
· 2 min read
President Donald Trump on Wednesday is taking his maiden voyage on a new Air Force One — a retrofitted Boeing 747 worth $400 million gifted by Qatar that embeds his personality more deeply into the institution of the American presidency.Gone is the trademark light blue hull that helped Air Force ...
Key takeaway The jet is carrying Trump to North Dakota to see the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library, its first official visitor ahead of its opening on the nation’s 250th anniversary.
Why this matters in Terrell Hills News
The arrival of the retrofitted Qatari jet as the new Air Force One has significant implications for the San Antonio area, given the city's strong military presence. As the plane carries President Trump to North Dakota, local residents may wonder about the potential economic impact of such high-profile gifts on the local defense industry. The fact that Boeing is expected to deliver new planes in 2028 to permanently serve as Air Force One may also raise questions about the role of local businesses in the production and maintenance of these aircraft. Furthermore, the ethical concerns surrounding the gift from Qatar may spark debate among Terrell Hills residents about the intersection of foreign diplomacy and national security. As the community follows the story of the new Air Force One, they may also consider the potential long-term effects on the local economy and the city's relationship with the military.
About this story
Original reporting by KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) — San Antonio . Terrell Hills News surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) — San Antonio . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 1, 2026 ·
Source: KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) — San Antonio ·
Reading time: 2 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? President Donald Trump on Wednesday is taking his maiden voyage on a new Air Force One — a retrofitted Boeing 747 worth $400 million gifted by Qatar that embeds his personality more deeply into the institution of the American presidency.Gone is the trademark light blue hull that helped Air Force ...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 1, 2026 by KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) — San Antonio and curated for Terrell Hills News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Julia Demaree Nikhinson And Josh Boak, Associated Press at KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) — San Antonio. To learn more about how Terrell Hills News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from Terrell Hills News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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