Key Takeaways
- US President Donald Trump boarded an older Air Force One for his departure from Turkey.
- The new Qatari-donated Boeing 747 was later used during the trip home.
- Critics raised concerns about the security and cost of the newly retrofitted plane.
US President Donald Trump unexpectedly left Turkey on Wednesday aboard an older Air Force One, rather than the newly renovated Qatari-donated jet that brought him there. The switch followed months of scrutiny over the luxury gift intended to serve as a temporary replacement while Boeing struggled to deliver long-delayed next-generation Air Force One planes.
The trip to Turkey for the NATO summit was the first international travel for the new plane, which took place amid escalating hostilities with Iran, a country that borders Turkey. The unexpected plane switch drew criticism from both sides of the political spectrum, with some questioning the cost and security of the retrofitted aircraft.
Trump addressed reporters in Ankara, stating that he would use an older baby blue Air Force One for his departure from Turkey 'for old time’s sake.' He added that the new plane would stop at RAF Mildenhall in Britain so US service members stationed there could tour it. The new jet, with red, white, dark blue and gold livery chosen by Trump, is a Boeing 747 gifted to the United States by Qatar last year and refitted by defence contractor L3Harris Technologies.
The upgrade to the Qatari jet was completed so quickly that some experts expressed concern about its security. Democratic lawmakers estimated the conversion cost more than $1 billion and raised concerns about its security features, including the need for security upgrades, communications improvements to prevent eavesdropping, and missile defense capabilities.
Trump acknowledged a potential threat during his news conference at the NATO summit's conclusion, stating, 'I’m number one on the kill list for Iran,' but added that he did not care about it. The new Air Force One’s only stop was at RAF Mildenhall in Britain, where Trump met with service members and shared a photo of their excitement.
The acceptance of the Qatari jet had drawn scrutiny from lawmakers and experts alike. A second aircraft that can operate as Air Force One is always on standby during presidential trips to ensure continuity in case of emergencies or unexpected situations.
Critics highlighted the fast-track effort to ready the new plane, which skipped some planned modifications for the next-generation presidential aircraft in order to deliver it quickly.
'I’m number one on the kill list for Iran,'
Donald Trump, US President
The new Air Force One’s only stop was at RAF Mildenhall in Britain, where Trump met with service members and shared a photo of their excitement.
Reporters' description
