Trump Returns to the Old 'Air Force One'.. What Happens to the Presidential Plane Gifted 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 plane donated by Qatar, which has recently taken on the role of transporting the president. The newer plane 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 plane during 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 security updates for the Qatari plane.

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 conducted during the fall.

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