Trump flies older Air Force One amid Iran tensions
IN SHORT
President Donald Trump swapped planes at RAF Mildenhall on his return from Turkey, opting for the older Air Force One over a new Qatari-gifted jet due to security concerns amid Iran tensions.
Key Numbers
$1 billionestimated cost of new Air Force One conversion
13-year-oldage of the Qatari-gifted Boeing 747-8
2028scheduled arrival of new Boeing presidential jets
Who's Involved
Donald Trump
U.S. President who flew older Air Force One
Secret Service
advised against using the Qatari-gifted Air Force One
Qatar
gifted the Boeing 747-8 aircraft to the U.S.
RAF Mildenhall
UK airbase where plane swap occurred
↳ Why This Matters
The decision to use older, potentially less secure, aircraft over a newly gifted, advanced jet highlights the perceived security risks and potential controversies surrounding the use of non-standard presidential transport, particularly during periods of international tension.