The largest Air Force One, which has been in service for over three decades, was retired on Thursday, fueling speculation that President Trump may start using a Boeing 747 provided by Qatar.
After returning from the G7 summit in Switzerland, Trump’s press secretary, Stephen Cheung, confirmed this was the “last ride” on the aging aircraft.
“Well done, my good and faithful servant. This is my last ride,” Cheung shared on social media.
This plane was one of two specialized Boeing 747s introduced in the 1990s, functioning as a “Flying White House.” It featured advanced communication systems and protective measures for the president during emergencies.
Monica Crowley, the U.S. Chief of Protocol, posted a photo of the retiring jet at Joint Base Andrews, describing her honor to be part of its final flight.
“It wasn’t the newest plane, but it was comfortable,” Crowley remarked. “Every flight with President Trump was incredibly special. Goodbye and thank you.”
Discussion arose about whether Trump might officially integrate the gift of Boeing 747s from Qatar into his dwindling fleet, especially since Boeing faces delays and cost issues with new VC-25B presidential jets.
Next month, Trump plans to visit Mount Rushmore as part of the 250th anniversary celebrations, with reports suggesting his first flight will be on the new Qatari jet.
In May, the U.S. Air Force announced that the aircraft has completed flight tests and is set to be unveiled this summer in a fresh red, white, and blue design.
Qatar’s planes are of the VC-25 model, the same type as the now-retired Air Force One jets.
Concerns have been voiced by security experts regarding the conversion of foreign-made aircraft like Qatar’s for presidential transport, noting that extensive modifications would be necessary.
Still, Trump has maintained that accepting the aircraft was a wise choice, stating he would have been foolish to turn it down.
He reiterated, “I was foolish not to accept it.”
The president has consistently sought to replace the outdated Air Force One fleet, commenting on the condition of the decades-old planes during both of his administrations.
Trump indicated that the Qatari jet might eventually be donated for display in a future presidential library.
The White House did not provide a comment on these developments.
