US 'Air Force One' retires after 30 years; Qatar-gifted jet may take over

The iconic U.S. presidential aircraft, known as "Air Force One" when the president is aboard, has been officially retired after more than three decades of service. White House Communications Director Steven Cheung shared a photo of the classic blue and white jet on social media platform X, bidding farewell to the "faithful old partner" after its final journey from the G7 summit in France. "Well done, faithful old partner. This is the last journey," Cheung wrote.

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Well done, faithful old partner. This is the last journey.

Monica Crowley, the U.S. State Department's Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs, also posted a picture of the aircraft at Joint Base Andrews near Washington D.C. She expressed her privilege in having flown on its "final mission," noting that the plane had carried every U.S. president since George H.W. Bush for nearly 40 years. "It wasn't the most advanced model, but it was comfortable. Every trip with President Trump was an especially special memory. Goodbye, thank you," Crowley stated.

The retired aircraft is one of two heavily modified Boeing 747s, designated VC-25A, which entered service in 1990. Speculation is rife that a modified Boeing 747 gifted by Qatar to President Trump will soon take over presidential duties. The U.S. Air Force confirmed in May that the Qatari aircraft, designated VC-25B Bridge, has completed flight tests and is expected to join the presidential fleet this summer, receiving a new red, white, and blue livery. This new aircraft is anticipated to make its debut as early as next month when Trump considers attending the 250th anniversary of American independence celebrations at Mount Rushmore.

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For nearly 40 years, this aircraft has carried every U.S. president since George H.W. Bush. It wasn't the most advanced model, but it was comfortable. Every trip with President Trump was an especially special memory. Goodbye, thank you.

The gifting of the multi-billion dollar aircraft by Qatar has sparked ethical and constitutional debates within the U.S. regarding presidential acceptance of foreign gifts. Concerns have also been raised about national security implications of using a foreign-provided aircraft as the presidential plane. President Trump has long expressed a desire to replace the aging "Air Force One," even displaying a model of the new livery in the Oval Office. He previously called it "stupid" not to accept Qatar's gift and complained about the current aircraft's age. He also suggested the Qatari plane might eventually be donated to his presidential library for display.

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It's stupid not to accept Qatar's gift.