Donald Trump’s Private Jet Used To Be Owned By A Budget Mexican Airline

There's one small part of Mexico, Donald Trump has very close, personal ties to that he's not prepared to give up: his private jet – which spent much of its former life in the very country he appears to despise.

‘Trump Force One’ – as the plane has been dubbed, in a nod to the presidential jet Air Force One, which Trump has eschewed for his own aircraft – was operated by Mexican airline TAESA Lineas Aéreas in a previous life.

The low-cost carrier leased the plane from July 6 1994 until March 31 1995. Its precise flight route isn’t known, but it was likely based in Mexico City, at the airline’s headquarters.

The President-elect bought the Boeing 757, registered N757AF, in 2011 from Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen. It’s now almost 26 years old, so no spring chicken, and a quick registration search reveals its colourful history.

It was originally leased in 1991 by Sterling Airways, a now defunct low-cost outfit based in Copenhagen. A few years later it passed to TAESA before being snapped up by Vulcan Northwest Inc – which represents the investments and business affairs of Allen.

In 2011, the aircraft was bought by DJT Operations – which is owned by Mr Trump, who spent a small fortune equipping the airliner.

It is quite common for planes to change hands via leasing or sales. Registration numbers can change too, although Trump’s N757AF has not.

The plane is now reported to be worth more than $100million (£83m) and boasts gold-carat fixtures in its office, two bedrooms, and cabin.

Its 43 leather-covered seats have gold-plated safety belts, while the bedroom reserved for Mr Trump contains wood panelling and silk pillows embroidered with his family crest. There is a home cinema consisting of a 57-inch screen and sound system.

When Trump used the plane to travel across the US on his campaign trail, the New York Times revealed that its registration had expired – an offence that could result in a civil penalty of up to $27,500 (£22,820), a criminal fine of up to $250,000 (£207,455) and imprisonment for up to three years. The issue was later resolved, and the plane was cleared to fly.

What does The Donald get up to on Trump Force One?

The jet was Trump's place to unwind on the campaign trail, keeping his strength up with nutritious fare.

An on-board telly allows him to keep up with current affairs – like this interview with his wife, Melania.

Another well-balanced meal on board. (The inflight catering can't be up to much.)

Some days, he even gets around to doing some work. Maybe.