Trump flies old Air Force One out of Turkiye, switches to new jet in Britain for trip home

Former U.S. President Donald Trump departed Turkey aboard an older Air Force One, opting for the familiar aircraft for the initial leg of his journey to Britain. He later boarded a newly renovated, Qatar-gifted Boeing 747 at a British airbase for his flight back to Washington.

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I would use the older baby blue Air Force One plane “for old time’s sake” to fly from Ankara to RAF Mildenhall in Britain while the new plane stopped at the same base so US service members stationed there could tour the aircraft.

The switch followed scrutiny over the luxury jet, intended as a temporary replacement for the long-delayed next-generation Air Force One planes. Critics had raised concerns about the cost, security, and pace of the refit. Trump stated on social media that he used the older plane "for old time's sake" and allowed U.S. service members at RAF Mildenhall in Britain to tour the new aircraft.

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I'm number one on the kill list for Iran.

When questioned in Ankara about whether assassination threats prompted the plane change, Trump acknowledged the potential danger. "I'm number one on the kill list for Iran," he told reporters, adding, "I don't know. I can't tell you that but I don't really care."

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I don’t know. I can’t tell you that but I don’t really care.

The refitting of the Qatari jet included security upgrades and communication improvements. Some experts expressed concern that the rapid completion of modifications might compromise the plane's security compared to existing Air Force One aircraft. Trump had previously mentioned plans for the new plane to visit several European military bases for soldiers to see it, but it appeared to only stop in Britain.

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So the soldiers can see it.