President Switches From Qatari Jet To Older Aircraft After Turkey Stop

The president left Ankara on the older Air Force One after arriving there aboard the Boeing 747 gifted by Qatar last year. The switch occurred days after the first international use of the newer aircraft and followed the restart of military conflict with Iran.

The president told reporters in Turkey and posted on Truth Social that the Qatari jet was headed to RAF Mildenhall in England and two or three other European bases so service members could tour the aircraft. The president described the England stop as a short trip, though the exact duration remains unclear.

The administration fast-tracked security upgrades for the jet, which normally take years, prompting questions about whether it meets full Air Force One standards. A retired CIA officer posted that Secret Service and Air Force concerns overrode other considerations and that the plane is not ready for overseas presidential travel.

A former Air Force secretary said typical security standards were likely lowered and questioned whether the aircraft has the required command-and-control and protective systems. An unnamed senior administration official told MS NOW that no shortcuts were taken and that the plane followed the same safety protocols as every Air Force One in line with FAA standards.

An Air Force spokesperson said the service is confident the aircraft is safe and equipped with advanced technologies, adding that critical mission requirements were prioritized over aesthetics to speed delivery.

The Air Force has reported spending less than $400 million on upgrades, though some estimates place the cost closer to $1 billion. The jet is intended as a temporary bridge while two new custom planes are completed. The president has said the aircraft will eventually go to a presidential library after leaving office.