United States President, Donald Trump, is set to use the Boeing 747-8 jet gifted by Qatar for his upcoming trip to Ireland, despite previous concerns over the aircraft’s security capabilities.
A senior White House official told CNN that Trump plans to travel on the Qatari aircraft later this month, just two months after he used it during a trip to Turkey before reportedly switching secretly to another aircraft because of security concerns.
The luxury jet, which was given to the United States by Qatar as an unconditional gift and is estimated to be worth about $400 million, has raised questions over whether it has the same protection capabilities as the older Air Force One aircraft.
Sources familiar with the matter previously told CNN that the Boeing jet lacked some of the capabilities needed to protect the president during travel to potentially dangerous international destinations.
However, another source said the aircraft had many of the same security features as the existing presidential plane.
Trump later acknowledged that the aircraft still required additional upgrades. In late July, he said the new Air Force One would soon be “maxed out” when asked about its missile-defence capabilities.
Speaking in the Oval Office on Friday, Trump reiterated that the aircraft was already well-equipped but would undergo further upgrades.
“It has a lot of stuff, but to max it out, meaning you can go into any territory, it’ll take about 60 days,” Trump said.
The White House official said the planned upgrades are expected to take place in the autumn, adding that the aircraft is considered safe for non-hostile international travel, including the planned Ireland visit.
Trump has continued to use the plane for domestic trips during the summer.
He also said Friday that the aircraft would eventually be transferred to his presidential museum after his tenure, with upgrades expected to begin in October.
The president has repeatedly praised the aircraft, describing it as “the world’s most luxurious plane” when he unveiled it at Joint Base Andrews earlier this summer.
Trump has also privately expressed frustration over reports highlighting the aircraft’s limitations.
The Washington Post first reported that Trump intended to use the Qatari jet for his Ireland trip.
