Trump switches Air Force One in UK, cites Iran threat for plane change

President Donald Trump departed Turkey on Wednesday aboard an older Air Force One aircraft, rather than the newly renovated jet gifted by Qatar that had transported him to the NATO summit. He later boarded the new plane at a British airbase for the return flight to Washington.

The trip to Turkey marked the first international travel for the new aircraft, which took place amid escalating hostilities with Iran, a country that shares a border with Turkey.

Plane Switch Follows Months of Scrutiny

The unexpected change of aircraft came after months of scrutiny over the luxury gift, which was intended to serve as a temporary replacement while Boeing continues to struggle with delivering long-delayed next-generation Air Force One planes. Critics have questioned the cost, security, and pace of the retrofit.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump stated he would use an older baby blue Air Force One plane "for old time's sake" to fly from Ankara to RAF Mildenhall in Britain. He said the new plane stopped at the same base so U.S. service members stationed there could tour the aircraft.

Video footage from late Wednesday showed Trump boarding the new Air Force One at the British base as it prepared to depart for the United States.

Aircraft Details

The new plane — a Boeing 747 gifted to the United States by Qatar last year and refitted by defense contractor L3Harris Technologies — features a red, white, dark blue, and gold livery chosen by Trump.

Assassination Threat Questioned

When asked in Ankara whether a threat of assassination prompted his decision to change planes for departure from Turkey, Trump did not answer directly but acknowledged the potential threat.

"I'm number one on the kill list for Iran," he told reporters at a news conference as the NATO summit concluded. "I don't know. I can't tell you that but I don't really care."

Security Concerns Raised

The upgrades to the Qatari jet were completed so quickly that some experts expressed concern the plane may not be as secure as existing Air Force One aircraft. Retrofitting the luxury plane required security upgrades, communications improvements to prevent eavesdropping, and missile defense capabilities, according to experts.

Democratic lawmakers estimated the conversion cost more than $1 billion and raised concerns about its security.

'So the Soldiers Can See It'

Trump had said in Turkey that the new Air Force One would travel to two or three major military bases in Europe before returning to the United States "so the soldiers can see it because it's truly magnificent." However, it appeared the plane's only stop was at the British base.

Trump wrote late Wednesday on social media that he had landed at RAF Mildenhall "and met up with our new Air Force One." Service members at the base "were very excited, picture enclosed. It was on our way back to the States from Turkey, with virtually no deviation of flightpath," he said.

Backup Aircraft and Boeing Program

A second aircraft that can operate as Air Force One is always on standby during presidential trips.

The Air Force's fast-track effort to ready the jet skipped some planned modifications for the next-generation presidential aircraft in order to deliver an interim version sooner. Officials have said the plane still meets presidential standards.

Boeing is working to deliver two purpose-built 747-8s under a $3.9 billion fixed-price contract signed in 2018. That program is now four years behind schedule, with delivery not expected until mid-2028 — meaning a new, U.S.-built plane may not be ready before Trump's term ends in January 2029. Costs on the Boeing program have grown to more than $5 billion, with the company booking billions of dollars in charges tied to the project.