President Donald Trump said the Boeing 747 donated by Qatar and now used for presidential travel will be temporarily removed from service for additional security upgrades.
During remarks on Sunday, Trump said the aircraft would be sent away for about a month to be “maxed out.” His comments followed questions about whether the recently converted jet has the same defensive systems and secure communications equipment as the older Air Force One planes.
Trump began using the aircraft on July 1. After traveling aboard it to a NATO summit in Turkey, he returned on one of the older presidential jets as tensions with Iran increased. The change raised further questions about the new plane’s readiness, although Trump said the switch was made for other reasons.
The Qatari aircraft is intended to serve as a temporary presidential plane while Boeing completes two new purpose-built replacements. Those aircraft were ordered under a 2018 contract but have faced delays, with the first delivery now expected in 2028.
The donation has also faced scrutiny over its value, foreign origin and modification costs. Administration officials have said the aircraft was accepted legally and that presidential travel decisions continue to be based on security requirements.
