Trump to fly to Ireland on Boeing 747 gifted by Qatar
US President Donald Trump plans to visit Ireland next week aboard a Boeing 747 gifted by Qatar. It will be the aircraft’s first international flight after the president left the NATO summit in Turkey on another plane in July due to security concerns. The Washington Post was the first to report the planned trip, Defense News reports.
Visit to Ireland
Trump will be in Ireland on September 12 and 13. He will attend the Irish Open tournament at his golf club in Doonbeg. According to the BBC, during the two-day trip, the US president is also expected to meet with Irish President Catherine Connolly and Prime Minister Micheál Martin.
Next week, Trump is also expected to speak at the Republican Party convention ahead of the midterm elections in Texas. He has promised to campaign in support of Republican candidates in dozens of states where political battles are underway.
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Aircraft security concerns
In July, Trump unexpectedly left the NATO summit in Turkey on another aircraft, citing a potential threat amid the escalating conflict with Iran. According to the outlet, he secretly switched to a smaller military aircraft, while a catering truck was used as a distraction.
At the time, the aircraft change raised new questions about the security of the modified plane gifted by Qatar for presidential travel. In July, Trump said the aircraft would soon be sent for a major security upgrade, which he said was to begin in about a month. No official announcement on the schedule of this work was made.
A senior US administration official told Military Times that the authorities do not comment on specific Air Force One upgrades or modifications, but maintain safe, secure and reliable capabilities for the US president and update them as needed.
