Trump Returns to the Old "Air Force One".. What Happens to the Presidential Plane Donated by Qatar?

- Afaq News network learned that U.S. President Donald Trump is using the old "Air Force One" during his trip on Friday to Mobile, Alabama, marking the second consecutive day he has avoided using the aircraft donated by Qatar, which has recently taken on the role of transporting the president. The newer aircraft is currently undergoing maintenance or modification, as a source in the U.S. administration told Afaq News that "some cosmetic updates are being made to its interior cabin."

Trump also used the old aircraft for his trip to Texas on Thursday. Although the source described the updates as "cosmetic," Afaq News reported in July that the White House is seeking to expedite the pace of security updates for the Qatari aircraft.

Officials in the administration have discussed, privately, the necessity of avoiding Trump traveling on it to areas that involve high security risks, according to two sources familiar with the matter. Comprehensive updates necessary to enhance the security of the new "Air Force One" were scheduled to be carried out during the fall.

Trump has publicly acknowledged that the aircraft needs additional security improvements, telling reporters during the summer that it will soon reach "the highest levels of readiness."