politics
Trump to Use Older Air Force One From Turkey to Britain as New Jet Program Remains Delayed
President Trump announced he will fly an older aircraft from Turkey to Britain while the newer Qatari jet visits the same base for tours. The move comes after the new plane's first international trip.
Jul 8, 1:47 PM·1m read4 sources
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President Donald Trump announced on July 8 that he will fly from Turkey to Britain on an older Air Force One aircraft. He stated on Truth Social that he would use the older plane "for old time's sake" to reach RAF Mildenhall in Britain. The newer aircraft, a Boeing 747 donated by Qatar last year and refitted by L3Harris Technologies, will also visit RAF Mildenhall so U.S.
Service members stationed there can tour it. The trip to Turkey marked the first international flight for the newer plane, which carries a red, white, dark blue and gold livery selected by Trump and was unveiled weeks earlier as the interim presidential jet.
The Qatari aircraft serves as a bridge while Boeing completes two purpose-built 747-8s under a $3.9 billion fixed-price contract signed in 2018.
That program is four years behind schedule, with delivery now expected in mid-2028, and total costs have risen above $5 billion. Democratic lawmakers estimated the conversion of the Qatari jet exceeded $1 billion. Air Force Secretary Troy Meink said the service "meticulously evaluated every requirement" while accelerating delivery.
A second aircraft capable of operating as Air Force One remains on standby during presidential trips.
