US President Donald Trump switched presidential aircraft during his journey home from the NATO summit in Turkiye, flying from Ankara to Britain aboard an older Air Force One before transferring to a newly refurbished jet gifted by Qatar for the final leg to Washington.
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The visit marked the first international trip for the newly renovated aircraft, which has been introduced as an interim presidential plane while Boeing continues work on the delayed next-generation Air Force One fleet. The summit took place amid heightened tensions in the Middle East following renewed hostilities involving Iran.
According to Reuters, Trump chose to leave Ankara aboard the older light-blue Air Force One, saying he wanted to use the aircraft “for old time’s sake.” He explained that the newer plane had flown separately to RAF Mildenhall in Britain so American service members stationed there could tour the aircraft before it departed for the United States. Later that day, television footage showed Trump boarding the new aircraft for the flight back to Washington.
The new presidential jet is a Boeing 747 donated by Qatar and upgraded by defense contractor L3Harris Technologies with enhanced communications, security systems and defensive capabilities. Despite the rapid modifications, some aviation and security experts have questioned whether the aircraft has received the same level of protection as the existing Air Force One fleet. Democratic lawmakers have also raised concerns about the programme’s cost and security implications.
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Speaking to reporters in Ankara, Trump declined to directly address whether security threats influenced his decision to change aircraft, although he acknowledged concerns over potential threats from Iran. Meanwhile, Boeing continues work on two purpose-built 747-8 presidential aircraft under a multibillion-dollar contract, with deliveries now expected in 2028 after years of delays and rising costs.