Trump switches to older Air Force One amid Iran tensions and Qatari jet controversy
Consensus Summary
Donald Trump switched from the new Qatari-gifted Air Force One to the older aircraft for his trip from Turkey to England, citing a desire to showcase the new jet to US troops. Both sources confirm the $400m Qatari jet was gifted last year and used for his trip to Turkey, marking its first international flight. Security concerns about Iran were raised, with Trump stating he is 'number one on the kill list for Iran' and the US launching strikes on more than 80 Iranian targets this week. The Guardian notes the switch occurred during a NATO summit in Ankara, while ABC reports the Secret Service urged the change as a precaution. ABC also details cost disputes over the jetâs refurbishment, estimating between $400m and over $1 billion, and highlights delays in Boeingâs next-generation Air Force One planes, now expected by mid-2028, four years behind schedule.
â Verified by 2+ sources
Key details reported by multiple sources:
- Donald Trump flew from Turkey to England on the older Air Force One instead of the new Qatari-gifted aircraft
- The new Qatari-gifted Boeing 747 jet cost $400m
- The new Qatari-gifted jet was given to the US as a gift last year
- Trump used the new Qatari jet for his trip to Turkey, marking its first international trip
- Trump claimed the switch was to allow the new jet to visit a US military base in England for troops to tour it
- Trump stated he is 'number one on the kill list for Iran' during a news conference
- The US launched strikes on more than 80 Iranian targets this week
Points of Difference
Details reported by only one source:
- Trump announced the change in a Truth Social post on Wednesday, mentioning the new jet would go to Mildenhall Air Force Base in the UK
- The shift in plans was questioned during a NATO summit in Ankara, Turkey, with reporters asking about security concerns involving Iran
- Trump declared the ceasefire with Iran was over as he arrived at the NATO summit in Turkey
- The US imposed sanctions on Iranian oil sales this week alongside the strikes
- The Secret Service reportedly urged Trump to use the old Air Force One as a security precaution related to renewed hostilities with Iran
- The new jet was gifted by Qatar in May 2025, with refurbishing costs estimated at over $1 billion ($1.55 billion) by some officials, though the Air Force cited $400m
- The new jet was intended as a temporary replacement while Boeingâs next-generation Air Force One planes are delayed until mid-2028, four years behind schedule
- Passengers were told to pull window shades down before takeoff, which Trump attributed to 'sleazebags over here' (referring to Iran)
- Trump returned to Washington from England on the new jet after the trip
- The older Air Force One has missile-defense systems, but it is unclear if the new jet has them
Contradictions
Conflicting information between sources:
- The Guardian states the new jet was gifted 'last year,' but ABC specifies it was gifted in May 2025
- ABC reports the refurbishing cost estimates range from over $1 billion ($1.55 billion) to $400m, while the Guardian does not mention specific cost estimates beyond the $400m gift value
- The Guardian mentions the new jet was sent to 'two or three of the big bases' in Europe, while ABC specifies it was going to 'a US military base in England' for troops to tour it
Source Articles
Trump switches back to flying on older Air Force One for England trip instead of new Qatari jet
US president unexpectedly changes plans to fly to England after using Qatari-gifted aircraft to travel to Turkey Donald Trump will fly from Turkey to England onboard the older Air Force One, rather than the new, Qatari-gifted aircraft he used to travel to Turkey, an unexpected change in plans that prompted questions about security fears. Trump first announced the change in a Truth Social post on Wednesday, where he said that âto honor our brave men and women of the Military, we are sending the b
Secret Service urged Trump to leave TĂźrkiye on old Air Force One
Officials reportedly urged the US president to swap out his Qatari-donated luxury jet as a security precaution due to renewed hostilities with Iran.