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) - San Antonio News
· 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 Alamo Heights News
As San Antonio residents watch President Trump's maiden voyage on the retrofitted Qatari jet, they may recall the city's own history of military aviation. With several major military bases in the area, including Lackland and Randolph, the Alamo Heights community has long been connected to the nation's air power. The fact that the new Air Force One is only a temporary replacement, with Boeing set to deliver new planes in 2028, may also resonate with local residents who have seen their share of military procurement and development projects. Meanwhile, the ethical concerns surrounding the gift from Qatar may spark debate among locals about the role of foreign diplomacy in American politics. As the new jet carries Trump to North Dakota, Alamo Heights residents can consider the implications of this unusual arrangement for the nation's leadership and its relationships abroad.
About this story
Original reporting by KSAT 12 (ABC) - San Antonio News . Alamo Heights 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) - San Antonio News . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 1, 2026 ·
Source: KSAT 12 (ABC) - San Antonio News ·
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) - San Antonio News and curated for Alamo Heights News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Julia Demaree Nikhinson And Josh Boak, Associated Press at KSAT 12 (ABC) - San Antonio News. To learn more about how Alamo Heights News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from Alamo Heights News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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