Trump retires current Air Force One, Qatar-donated plane to take over

The current presidential aircraft, Air Force One, has completed its final flight after 35 years of service, carrying President Donald Trump back to Washington following the G7 summit in France. The Boeing 747-200B, which bears the Air Force One designation when the president is aboard, was retired Thursday.

Steven Cheung, White House Communications Director, marked the occasion on social media, posting a photo of the aircraft with the caption, "Well done, good and faithful servant. The last journey." The plane entered service during the administration of George H. W. Bush.

The U.S. Air Force announced in May that modifications and testing were complete on a Boeing 747 donated by Qatar last year. This aircraft, repainted in red, white, and blue, will serve as the temporary Air Force One starting this summer. The Pentagon accepted the donation from Qatar, a key U.S. ally in the Middle East, despite ethical concerns and questions about the aircraft's security.

This interim solution is intended to bridge the gap while Boeing completes the construction and modernization of two new aircraft ordered during Trump's first term. Trump has expressed frustration over delays in the delivery of these new planes, which might not be ready until 2029, potentially after his second term concludes. He has argued that using the Qatari-donated plane will save taxpayer money, with modifications costing an estimated $400 million, significantly less than the $5.6 billion projected for the new Boeing aircraft. The interior modifications were minimal, retaining the luxurious leather furnishings originally designed for the Qatari royal family.

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Well done, good and faithful servant. The last journey.