Trump chose Bush Sr.'s old plane over a Boeing 747-8 donated by Qatar
Quick Look
- US President Donald Trump has repeatedly chosen an old plane formerly used by George H.
- Bush for travel over a $400 million Boeing 747-8 donated by Qatar, despite accepting the gift in May 2025 and beginning use of the new aircraft in July.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
In May 2025, the Qatari royal family gave Donald Trump a Boeing 747-8 worth $400 million with the goal of converting it into Air Force One. Trump began using the new plane in July of that year, but since late September has repeatedly chosen the old plane, previously used by George H. W. Bush, for trips to Alabama, Ohio and other areas.
Brief retelling from RIA II
US President Donald Trump preferred the old plane, which was used by George Bush Sr., to the Boeing 747-8 donated by Qatar.
The Qatari royal family gave Trump a Boeing 747-8 worth $400 million in May 2025.
According to American media, Trump has repeatedly used the old plane for trips since the end of September.
WASHINGTON, October 4 - RIA Novosti. US President Donald Trump again preferred the “first plane”, which was used by George Bush Sr., to the Boeing plane donated by Qatar for $400 million, a RIA Novosti correspondent reports.
Trump traveled to a rally in Alabama on Saturday on an old plane instead of a plane donated by Qatar.
On Sunday, the American leader flew to Ohio from the Andrews military base near Washington. Trump boarded the blue and white jet again instead of the new one, painted white and dark with red and gold stripes. The White House has not yet provided details about the plane change.
In May 2025, the Qatari royal family gave Trump a Boeing 747-8 worth $400 million. The US President accepted the gift with the aim of converting it into Air Force One. In July of this year, Trump began using the new plane. American media reported that it is inferior to the old model in terms of safety systems. Trump flew to the NATO summit in Turkey on a Qatari Boeing, but flew out of Ankara on an old one.
On September 9, before Trump departed for the Republican Party convention in Dallas, journalists noticed an open inflatable ramp near the new presidential board. Then this was explained by a routine check.
According to American media, Trump has repeatedly used the old plane for trips since the end of September.
What to Watch
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
The White House may provide an official explanation for the choice of aircraft in the coming days.
Possible · Within days
Open Questions
- Why does Trump prefer an old plane despite the gift of a new Boeing 747-8?
- Is there an official explanation from the White House regarding the change of aircraft?
- Which safety systems are inferior to the Qatari Boeing compared to the old aircraft?
