US President Trump flies to a rally in Alabama on an old plane instead of a Boeing 747-8 donated by Qatar
Quick Look
US President Donald Trump traveled to a rally in Alabama on an old plane from Andrews Air Force Base despite being given a $400 million Boeing 747-8 by Qatar in May 2025, which he began using in July but is reportedly continuing to use the older model due to safety concerns.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
In May 2025, the Qatari royal family gave Donald Trump a $400 million Boeing 747-8 with the intention of converting it into Air Force One. Trump began using the plane in July 2025, but US media reported that it was inferior to the old model in safety features.
US President Donald Trump went to a rally of supporters in Alabama.
Trump used an old plane rather than a jet donated by Qatar.
WASHINGTON, October 3 - RIA Novosti. US President Donald Trump went to a rally of supporters in Alabama on an old plane instead of a plane donated by Qatar, a RIA Novosti correspondent reports.
Trump flew to Alabama from Andrews Military Base near Washington. The American leader boarded a blue and white airliner, instead of the new one, painted white and dark with red and gold stripes.
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 Huffpost, Trump used the old plane on at least his last five trips around the country in late September.
What to Watch
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
Trump may return to use of donated Boeing 747-8 after safety concerns are resolved
Possible · Within months
Open Questions
- What safety systems are Trump concerned about in the new Boeing 747-8?
- Does Trump plan to return to regular use of the donated aircraft in the future?
- What is Qatar's official response to Trump's choice of an old plane for travel?
