White House Confirms 1-Month Air Force One Upgrades as Security Gaps Shadow $400 Million Qatari Jet
Updated
Updated · CNN International · Jul 21
White House Confirms 1-Month Air Force One Upgrades as Security Gaps Shadow $400 Million Qatari Jet
3 articles · Updated · CNN International · Jul 21
Summary
Fall upgrades to the Qatari-donated Air Force One were confirmed Monday, after officials debated keeping President Donald Trump off the jet in higher-threat destinations such as Israel during the Iran conflict.
A Turkey trip earlier this month sharpened those concerns: Trump flew the new jet there after it was initially cleared, but later returned on the older presidential plane as officials reassessed its protections.
Trump and press secretary Karoline Leavitt still say the aircraft is safe, and the president may keep using it for domestic travel and lower-risk foreign stops, potentially including Ireland before the work begins.
Aviation experts questioned the one-month timetable, saying meaningful upgrades to match the older Air Force One's security capabilities would likely take far longer—possibly years.
The jet is serving as a bridge aircraft until Boeing delivers two replacement 747s in 2028, extending scrutiny over the administration's acceptance and rapid retrofitting of the $400 million plane.