Donald Trump is planning to use the Qatari-gifted Boeing 747-8 on an upcoming overseas trip to Ireland, despite earlier concerns about the aircraft’s defensive equipment. The flight would be the president’s first international use of the jet since the July Turkey and NATO summit journey, with a senior White House official describing the aircraft as suitable for non-hostile travel.
The jet has already been used on domestic trips, but officials previously questioned whether it matched the security standard of the traditional Air Force One configuration. The aircraft is expected to receive additional security upgrades later in the autumn, and Trump has indicated it would be out of service for about a month.
In July, Trump reportedly used the Qatar-donated plane on the outbound leg to Turkey and then returned on another aircraft because of concerns linked to a possible Iranian threat. The planned Ireland trip extends a high-profile debate over whether the aircraft is fit for international presidential travel before the upgrade work is completed.