President Donald Trump leaves Turkey on the older, mission-equipped Air Force One after the Secret Service advises that the older jet offers stronger protection as tensions with Iran escalate.The $400M Boeing 747-8 donated by Qatar and retrofitted by L3Harris Technologies is flown ahead to England so US service members can tour the aircraft; Mr. Trump changes planes after he lands in the United Kingdom.Officials and defense analysts say the older Boeing 747-200 retains mission capabilities such as mid-air refueling, secure communications and directed-energy countermeasures that were deferred or are absent on the rapidly modified Qatari jet.The
Air Force and the
White House maintain the donated plane meets safety standards, while security officials describe the swap as a precaution to preserve the president’s ability to operate during an escalating conflict.