Donald Trump surprised observers by abandoning the new Air Force One, a Boeing 747 donated by Qatar and recently adapted for presidential use, during his return from the NATO summit in Turkey.
Instead of remaining on the new aircraft for the entire trip, Trump boarded the older VC-25, traditionally used as Air Force One, for part of the route.
The switch came amid reports of security concerns surrounding the new aircraft. The new jet, valued at around US$ 400 million, was converted on an emergency basis to serve as a temporary solution while Boeing completes the new presidential aircraft, whose delivery is scheduled for 2028.
Despite the adaptations, experts point out that the aircraft still does not have all the defense systems and countermeasures found on current Air Force One aircraft, such as advanced missile warning sensors.
Trump said the new plane continued on to the RAF Mildenhall air base in the United Kingdom so that U.S. military personnel could become familiar with it before it was used again on the final leg of the trip to Washington.
The change, however, fueled speculation about the level of protection offered by the aircraft at a time of heightened international tension.
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