Trump's Turkey Departure: Security Issues Delay New Air Force One

WHO:

CNN - President Donald Trump

CNN - Four US officials

CNN - Qatari officials (donors of the jet)

NY Post - President Trump

WHAT:

CNN - Trump departed Turkey on an older Air Force One rather than the new Qatari-donated jet.

CNN - The new jet is estimated to be worth about $400 million.

CNN - Trump mentioned he is “number one on the list for killing.”

CNN - The older plane is a heavily-modified Boeing 747-200 with mid-air refueling capabilities.

CNN - The new Qatari jet was considered a “bridge plane” until new jets are ready.

WHERE:

CNN - Departure from Turkey

CNN - Arrival at England’s Mildenhall Air Force Base

WHEN:

CNN - The new jets acquired as part of a deal Trump renegotiated are not expected to be ready until at least 2028.

WHY:

CNN - Security concerns around the escalating conflict in Iran influenced the decision to use the older plane.

CNN - Officials felt more comfortable with Trump aboard the older vessel due to its safety features.

CNN - Trump acknowledged that security concerns related to Iran could be a factor in the decision.

HOW:

CNN - The Qatari-gifted jet was sent ahead to England before Trump switched planes at a secure US airbase in the UK.

CNN - Trump offered mixed messages regarding the reason for the change of planes, stating it was to allow US service members to tour the aircraft.

(UPDATED July 9, 2026 15:59 UTC)

President Trump recently departed Turkey on an older Air Force One rather than the new Qatari-donated jet, which is valued at around $400 million and was intended as a temporary "bridge plane" until new jets are ready, expected by 2028. Security concerns surrounding the escalating conflict in Iran played a significant role in the decision to use the older, heavily-modified Boeing 747-200, as officials felt more comfortable with its safety features while Trump was aboard. Upon arrival at England’s Mildenhall Air Force Base, Trump offered mixed messages about the plane switch, mentioning it was also to allow US service members to tour the aircraft.