Trump Abruptly Switches Back To Old Air Force One Instead Of Qatari Plane

Key Points:

• President Donald Trump switched from the new gifted Qatari VIP jet to the older Air Force One for a flight from Turkey to the U.K., then back to the new jet on his return, raising questions about the new plane’s security amid tensions with Iran.
• Trump acknowledged being "number one on the kill list for Iran" and indicated he faces constant threats, but the plane switch was reportedly a precaution advised by the Secret Service rather than due to a specific Iranian threat.
• The New York Times reported the Qatari jet lacks some security features of the traditional Air Force One, with experts like former Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall questioning its command, control, and protective capabilities.
• A senior Trump administration official and the Air Force defended the new jet’s safety, stating it met FAA standards and prioritized critical mission requirements despite accelerated delivery.
• The gifted plane, accepted in May last year, serves as a temporary "bridge" aircraft while Boeing completes two custom Air Force One planes; its security upgrade costs are disputed, and its future ownership remains unclear.