Donald Trump Aircraft Ownership History: A Comprehensive Look at Private Jets and Helicopters Through the Years
Posted by Safe Fly Aviation Team | 18 October 2025
Donald Trump, the real estate mogul turned US President, has long been synonymous with luxury and extravagance, and his aviation ventures are no exception. From his early forays into helicopter services and airline ownership to his iconic “Trump Force One,” Trump’s aircraft fleet reflects a blend of business ambition, personal branding, and high-profile travel needs. In this detailed exploration, we trace the evolution of Donald Trump’s aircraft ownership, highlighting key models, acquisitions, and notable events. Whether you’re an aviation enthusiast searching for “Donald Trump private jets” or curious about his helicopter collection, this guide covers it all—perfect for understanding the history of one of the world’s most famous private fleets.
As experts in aircraft sales, charters, and spare parts at Safe Fly Aviation, we appreciate the intricacies of owning and maintaining such prestigious aircraft. Trump’s story offers valuable insights into fleet management, from sourcing rare parts for vintage models to trading high-value jets.
Early Aviation Ventures: Trump Air and the Birth of Helicopter Ownership (1980s)
Trump’s entry into aviation began in the late 1980s, driven by his expanding casino and real estate empire. In 1987, he acquired a Eurocopter Super Puma helicopter, used primarily for short hops between New York and Atlantic City. This marked the start of his rotary-wing focus, emphasising quick, luxurious transport.
By March 1988, Trump expanded with Trump Air, a helicopter service. He purchased three Sikorsky S-61 helicopters from Resorts International Airlines, repainting them in a signature black and red livery. These were complemented by Boeing Chinook helicopters (exact number unspecified), enabling scheduled services like LaGuardia to Wall Street Heliport and connections to Atlantic City. Trump Air integrated with his broader aviation plans, showcasing his flair for branded luxury.
These early helicopters set the tone for Trump’s fleet: high-end customisation and practical utility. However, as his ambitions grew, he shifted toward fixed-wing aircraft.
The Trump Shuttle Era: Owning an Airline with Boeing 727s (1989-1992)
In a bold move, Trump acquired the Eastern Air Lines Shuttle in October 1988 for $365 million, rebranding it as Trump Shuttle in June 1989. This deal included 17 Boeing 727 aircraft, along with valuable landing rights at major airports like LaGuardia, Boston Logan, and Reagan National. The Boeing 727s, tri-engine narrow-body jets, were transformed into luxury shuttles with maple wood veneers, chrome accents, and gold lavatory fixtures.
Notable features included free meals, complimentary drinks, self-check-in kiosks, and in-flight laptop rentals—innovations ahead of their time. However, the airline faced challenges: a 1989 nose gear failure incident on a Boeing 727-100 in Boston, economic recession, and rising fuel costs led to losses exceeding $64 million. Trump Shuttle ceased operations in April 1992, merging into USAir Shuttle (later US Airways and American Airlines Shuttle).
This period represented Trump’s most significant fleet ownership, but financial strains prompted a pivot to personal aircraft.
Expanding the Helicopter Fleet: Sikorsky S-76B Models (1989-2025)
Throughout the 1990s and beyond, Trump bolstered his rotary-wing capabilities with Sikorsky S-76B helicopters, known for their VIP transport efficiency. He owned at least three:
- Two 1989 Sikorsky S-76B (one registered N7TP, valued at $875,000 each in 2016). Acquired around 2014 or earlier, these featured leather seats, gold finishes, and African mahogany interiors.
- 1990 Sikorsky S-76B (N76TE), acquired in 2012 for $940,000, used for promoting Scottish golf courses with UK registration G-TRMP.
- Additional S-76B (N76DT), acquired in 2010, famous from “The Apprentice” TV show. It boasted a red, black, and white livery with the Trump logo.
These helicopters, seating up to six passengers with cruising speeds of 178 mph, were ideal for regional travel. By 2025, some were sold (e.g., N76TE and N76DT de-registered), but at least one remains active, with tail numbers reserved for potential reuse.
The Personal Jet Era: Boeing 727 and Cessna Citation X (1990s-2024)
Post-Trump Shuttle, Trump focused on personal jets. In 1997, he repurchased a Boeing 727 (VP-BDJ), a 1968-built tri-engine jet previously in his fleet. Customised with gold-plated fixtures, a queen-size bed, shower, theatre, and seating for 23, it served as his original “Trump Force One” through the 1990s and 2000s. High maintenance costs ($10,000 per hour) led to its sale in May 2011; it was later scrapped for keychains.
Complementing this was the 1997 Cessna Citation X (N725DT), a super-midsize business jet capable of Mach 0.92 speeds. Acquired for faster domestic routes, it featured a luxe interior with the Trump crest and seating for 8-12. Used in the 2016 campaign, it flew illegally briefly due to registration issues. Sold in May 2024 to MM Fleet Holdings LLC for about $10 million.
The Crown Jewel: Boeing 757 “Trump Force One” (2011-Present)
In 2011, Trump upgraded to his flagship Boeing 757-200 (N757AF), purchased from Paul Allen for $100 million, including refurbishments. Built in 1991, this twin-engine jet seats 43 in opulent style: en suite bedroom, gold-plated sinks, dining area, guest rooms, and media lounge. Powered by Rolls-Royce RB211 engines with Trump logos, it boasts a 3,900 NM range and 530 mph cruising speed.
Stored during his presidency (2017-2021), it was restored in 2022 with a new US flag livery. Key events include transporting Trump for 2023-2024 arraignments, a 2024 wing clip incident, and a mechanical diversion in August 2024. As of 2025, it’s based at Palm Beach International, logging hundreds of hours annually.
Current Fleet Status and Future Prospects (2025)
Today, Trump’s fleet has streamlined to the Boeing 757 and at least one Sikorsky S-76B, with others sold amid legal and financial considerations. This evolution from airline owner to private jet aficionado underscores the challenges of aviation ownership, including high costs and maintenance.
At Safe Fly, Avispecializes in aircraft engine trading, spare parts procurement, and charters—services that could support fleets like Trump’s. Whether sourcing parts for a Boeing 727 or trading a Cessna Citation, contact us for global solutions.
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