Donald Trump plans to travel to Ireland next week on the Boeing 747-8 gifted by Qatar, using the aircraft as a temporary Air Force One substitute despite lingering questions over its security fit-out. The trip would be the first overseas use of the jet since concerns emerged about its defensive systems, and comes as Boeing’s long-delayed presidential aircraft replacement programme remains unfinished.
The aircraft has already been used for domestic flights, but it was reportedly pulled from service for further upgrades after a security scare during a July trip to Turkey. Administration officials now consider it suitable for non-hostile international travel, including Ireland. The itinerary is expected to include Dublin, Shannon and Doonbeg, where Trump is due to stay at his golf resort. The move keeps attention on the retrofitted Qatar-donated jet, valued at roughly $400 million, and on the continuing delays affecting the next generation of presidential transport.