President Donald Trump disembarked from Air Force One for a ceremonial welcome in Beijing on Wednesday. Alex Wong/Getty Images

Updated 2026-05-13T20:48:06.192Z

Any Air Force plane carrying a US president is called Air Force One.

President John F. Kennedy was the first to use a jet designed specifically for a US president.

President Donald Trump accepted a luxury jet from Qatar that could serve as a new Air Force One.

Nicknamed the "flying Oval Office, " Air Force One has long functioned as the president's flying command center, office, and private quarters.

Since the mid-20th century, US presidents have flown on special planes designated " Air Force One " while carrying out their official duties.

The modern Air Force One is equipped with everything the president might need, including office spaces, two kitchens, a stateroom with sleeping quarters, and a fully functional operating room.

A new Air Force One jet, a Boeing 747-8 donated by the Qatari royal family and accepted by President Donald Trump in…