Israel’s Air Force One has first test flight
The plane, a retrofitted Boeing 767-300ER airliner purchased from Qantas Airlines in 2016, took off on Sunday from Ben-Gurion Airport.
The Prime Minister's plane, a Boeing 767, seen on its first flight test above Tel Aviv, on November 3, 2019. The plane is the Israeli version of Air Force 1, meant to serve the Israeli Prime Minister and the President. Photo by: Nimrod Glikman-JINIPIX
The Prime Minister's plane, a Boeing 767, seen on its first flight test above Tel Aviv, on November 3, 2019. The plane is the Israeli version of Air Force 1, meant to serve the Israeli Prime Minister and the President. Photo by: Nimrod Glikman-JINIPIX
The Prime Minister's plane, a Boeing 767, seen on its first flight test above Tel Aviv, on November 3, 2019. The plane is the Israeli version of Air Force 1, meant to serve the Israeli Prime Minister and the President. Photo by: Nimrod Glikman-JINIPIX
The Prime Minister's plane, a Boeing 767, seen on its first flight test above Tel Aviv, on November 3, 2019. The plane is the Israeli version of Air Force 1, meant to serve the Israeli Prime Minister and the President. Photo by: Nimrod Glikman-JINIPIX
The Prime Minister's plane, a Boeing 767, seen on its first flight test above Tel Aviv, on November 3, 2019. The plane is the Israeli version of Air Force 1, meant to serve the Israeli Prime Minister and the President. Photo by: Nimrod Glikman-JINIPIX
The Prime Minister's plane, a Boeing 767, seen on its first flight test above Tel Aviv, on November 3, 2019. The plane is the Israeli version of Air Force 1, meant to serve the Israeli Prime Minister and the President. Photo by: Nimrod Glikman-JINIPIX
Israel’s own Air Force One had its first test flight.
The plane, a retrofitted Boeing 767-300ER airliner purchased from Qantas Airlines in 2016, took off on Sunday from Ben-Gurion Airport.
It will serve Israel’s prime minister and president on official trips abroad.
Get The Jewish News Daily Edition by email and never miss our top stories Free Sign Up
The purchase and renovation of the plane is estimated to have cost about £131m ($170 million). It was renovated by Israel Aerospace Industries, which provided “sophisticated technological systems” that enable secure communications and ensure its safety, Times of Israel reported.
The plane served as a passenger plane for 20 years before it was purchased by Israel.
During a runway test on Thursday, smoke poured from the plane’s left wheel due to a brake malfunction, which led to an emergency alert. The airplane later was cleared for operation.
Keep community journalism free.
Jewish News is free for everyone. No paywall. No barriers. Just trusted journalism for anyone who wants to stay connected to Jewish life in Britain.
If you value that, please support us.
From as little as £5 a month, you can help keep our journalism free and accessible to all.
Every day, we report on the issues that matter to our community. We celebrate achievements, support charities, challenge antisemitism and ensure Jewish voices are heard more widely.
From as little as £5 a month, you can help us continue to:
- Report on the stories shaping Jewish life in the UK and beyond
- Bring our community together through shared stories, events and campaigns
- Celebrate the people, culture and moments that define our community
- Support organisations doing vital work across Jewish Britain
You can make a one-off donation or become a regular supporter. Every contribution helps keep our journalism free, independent and accessible to all.
If everyone who values Jewish News gave a small amount, it would make a real difference to our future.






















