For more than three decades, a familiar aircraft has carried American presidents across continents, through major global events, and on countless diplomatic missions. That chapter is now approaching a turning point.
Following President Donald Trump’s recent return from Europe, White House officials paid tribute to one of the Boeing 747-200 aircraft that has served as Air Force One for over 30 years. Their remarks arrived as the first of three new presidential aircraft moves closer to entering service.
The aircraft received public recognition from senior White House officials after completing a recent presidential trip.
White House Communications Director Steve Cheung shared a photo of the plane on X and wrote, “The last ride.” He followed the message with the tribute, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”
White House Deputy Chief of Staff Dan Scavino also reflected on the aircraft’s long service. In a video posted on X, Scavino said he had “been fortunate to fly around the world on this iconic plane for 5 1/2 years — of the 35 years it has been serving US presidents… THANK YOU…”
Their comments highlighted the aircraft’s lengthy role in presidential travel and its place in modern White House history.
New Presidential Aircraft Set to Arrive
The farewell messages come as three Boeing 747-800 aircraft prepare to join the presidential fleet. One of the incoming planes is a luxury jet donated by the government of Qatar.
The U.S. Air Force previously told USA TODAY that a new 747 is expected to arrive this summer. The aircraft will feature a redesigned exterior. The color scheme was developed with Trump’s input and includes red, white, dark blue, and gold.
The design marks a notable departure from the famous white-and-two-tone-blue paint scheme introduced during the administration of First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy.
Speaking to reporters on the National Mall on May 7, Trump confirmed expectations for a July 4 delivery, stating, “Yeah, we do think we’re going to have it.”
Is Air Force One Being Retired?
Despite the attention surrounding the incoming aircraft, Air Force One itself is not being retired. The term “Air Force One” refers to any U.S. Air Force aircraft carrying the sitting president.
According to NBC News, the current presidential fleet includes two Boeing 747 jumbo jets designated as VC-25A aircraft. The Air Force also operates modified 757 aircraft, known as C-32As, which transport the vice president, Cabinet members, and other senior government officials.
The new aircraft, designated VC-25Bs, are expected to enter service this summer. However, the current VC-25A aircraft will remain available. They can still serve as Air Force One whenever assigned to presidential travel.
The arrival of the VC-25B fleet marks a significant transition in presidential aviation. At the same time, the long-serving VC-25A aircraft will continue supporting official missions. Their decades of service have made them an important part of Air Force One’s history and modern presidential travel.
