Transition of Air Force One Amid G7 Summit

As President Donald Trump readies for a shift to a newly donated Boeing 747 from Qatar, the White House bids farewell to the aircraft that served as Air Force One for over three decades.

This past Thursday morning, a Boeing VC-25A, tail number 29000, completed its last mission, bringing President Trump home after the G7 summit held in France.

Shortly after midnight on Thursday, White House communications director Stephen Chan shared a photo of the plane along with a Bible quote from Matthew 15:23.

“’Well done, my good and faithful servant,’” Chan shared, calling it the “Last Ride.”

Dan Scavino, the White House Deputy Chief of Staff, shared a video capturing the essence of the VC-25B bridge aircraft. He reflected on his experiences, saying, “I’ve been lucky enough to fly around the world for five and a half years on this iconic aircraft, part of my 35 years serving the President.”

“Thank you,” he added.

Monica Crowley, U.S. Chief of Protocol, also expressed her sentiments, stating, “It was an honor to board Air Force One for its final flight last night.”

She mentioned that for nearly 40 years, it has flown every president since George H.W. Bush. “It wasn’t the newest aircraft, but it was comfortable, and every flight with President Trump felt incredibly special.”

Since 1990, twin VC-25A aircraft, tail numbers 28000 and 29000, have been the primary transport for presidents.

According to an Air Force official, “The VC-25B bridge aircraft will soon join the active executive airlift force alongside the VC-25A and C-32.”

Meanwhile, the new Boeing 747 has undergone significant upgrades for defense, security, and communications at the L3 Harris Aerospace Facility in Waco, Texas.

The aircraft will feature a color scheme of red, white, gold, and navy, which was favored by Trump during his presidency, while the current administration prefers a more traditional light blue and white design.

“Overall, the bridge aircraft meets an essential short-term need and ensures the Air Force can continue to support the Commander-in-Chief’s crucial missions while establishing a solid future,” stated the Air Force last month.

It was in 1990 that former President George H.W. Bush first boarded this aircraft, marking a significant moment in presidential history.