US President Donald Trump reportedly underwent a highly unusual and closely guarded aircraft switch during his recent visit to Turkey after US officials received an alleged security threat, according to a report by The Washington Post.
The report claims Trump was secretly moved from an older Boeing 747-8 Air Force One to a smaller C-32A aircraft before he left Turkey for Britain. What makes the episode particularly striking is the reported method used to move the president between the aircraft.
According to the report, Trump was transported inside a catering container that was moved from the Boeing 747 to the smaller aircraft. The operation was reportedly carried out without informing journalists travelling with the presidential delegation.
Journalists Were Kept In The Dark
The reported transfer was conducted under tight secrecy. Journalists and some officials were reportedly given the impression that Trump remained aboard the larger Boeing 747.
Reporters travelling on the older aircraft from Ankara were also instructed to keep their window blinds closed, according to the report.
The unusual security operation reportedly followed concerns over a potential threat linked to Iranian proxy forces.
Trump had travelled to Ankara for a NATO summit. At the time, he had said he would fly in the older Boeing 747 because US military personnel stationed at a British airbase would get an opportunity to tour the newer aircraft.
However, subsequent reports indicated that security concerns led authorities to change the president’s travel arrangements.
Video Shows Catering Truck Near Aircraft
The reported operation became even more unusual after The Washington Post released video footage showing a catering vehicle being lowered from the older Air Force One aircraft after Trump had boarded.
The vehicle was later seen moving towards the smaller C-32A, apparently as part of the transfer operation.
Trump was subsequently seen emerging from the larger aircraft after it landed in Britain, where both aircraft eventually arrived.
The exact sequence of events — including when Trump returned to the larger aircraft and how the transfer was carried out — remains unclear.
Qatar-Gifted Boeing 747 Faces Fresh Security Questions
The reported incident has also renewed scrutiny over the security capabilities of the Boeing 747-8 aircraft gifted to the United States by Qatar.
Questions have previously been raised about whether the aircraft has all the specialised defensive systems associated with the existing Air Force One fleet, including protections designed to counter missile threats.
The luxury Boeing was gifted by Qatar’s royal family after Trump had criticised the ageing Air Force One aircraft, which have been in service since 1990.
The aircraft underwent modifications before being brought into presidential use. Trump first travelled on it domestically on July 1 before it was used for an international trip to Turkey.
The White House has defended the aircraft’s security, describing it as “state-of-the-art” and saying that advanced security measures are in place to protect the president.
The reported secret transfer, however, has added another layer to the debate over how the Qatar-gifted aircraft is being secured for presidential travel.
