One Air Force One jet retires; Qatar-donated Boeing to serve as temporary replacement

After more than three decades of service transporting U.S. presidents worldwide, one of the iconic Air Force One Boeing 747 aircraft is nearing the end of its operational career. White House officials shared farewell messages for the Boeing 747, which has been in service since 1990, following its final flight carrying Donald Trump back from a G7 summit in France.

Steven Cheung, White House Communications Director, posted a photo of the aircraft, calling the flight its "last ride." Monica Crowley, the U.S. Chief of Protocol, also confirmed she was aboard for what she described as the plane's final journey. "For nearly 40 years, it carried every U.S. president, starting with George H.W. Bush. It wasn't the most modern plane, but it was comfortable," she stated.

The retiring aircraft is part of the VC-25A fleet, comprising two modified Boeing 747s specifically equipped for presidential transport. These planes, which entered service in 1990, have become recognizable symbols of the American presidency. Their gradual retirement coincides with the U.S. administration's acquisition of a Boeing 747 donated by Qatar.

This Qatari-donated aircraft has reportedly been modified to meet presidential security and communication standards and will serve as a temporary solution until two new presidential aircraft, ordered from Boeing, are completed. The U.S. Air Force confirmed the new plane will soon join the fleet used for transporting the president and other high-ranking officials. However, the donation has faced scrutiny from lawmakers and security experts concerned about accepting a gift of such value from a foreign nation and potential security risks.