U.S. President Donald Trump plans to travel to Ireland next week aboard a Boeing 747 gifted by Qatar, according to multiple outlets. The trip will be the aircraft’s first international flight since it was swapped in Turkey earlier this year.
Several reports say the decision comes despite questions raised about the jet’s defensive capabilities and whether it is adequate to protect the president. The New York Times and The Guardian report that concerns emerged after earlier travel, including a July trip when Trump was moved to another aircraft amid an assessment of a possible Iranian threat. CBS and The Washington Post report that plans to temporarily take the plane out of service for security upgrades have shifted to later in the fall.
Outlets also provide differing context on timing and prior flights. Defense News, Military Times, and Air Force Times focus on the Ireland trip and note the aircraft’s first international use since the Turkey stop. The Jerusalem Post adds that delays affecting Boeing’s replacement aircraft are contributing to plans to keep using the Qatari-gifted plane for upcoming trips, including Ireland and visits inside the United States.
