The longtime Boeing VC-25A jet that has carried presidents for more than 35 years appears set for retirement, with a Qatar-donated Boeing 747-8 preparing to take over at least temporarily as Air Force One.
The transition gained attention this week after the veteran aircraft returned President Donald Trump from the G7 summit in France. White House officials, including communications director Steven Cheung and deputy chief of staff Dan Scavino, posted tributes signaling the change, with one calling it the plane’s “last ride.”
The Air Force has clarified that the original VC-25As are not being retired immediately. The Qatar-modified 747, known as the VC-25B Bridge aircraft, will join the fleet alongside them while two new purpose-built VC-25Bs from Boeing are completed. Those aircraft, delayed from an original 2024 target, are now expected in mid-2028.
The Bridge plane completed modifications and testing in early May at L3Harris in Texas and is being painted in the traditional presidential livery at Trump’s direction. The Air Force described the accelerated program as a success in accountability.
The Qatari jet was accepted as a donation to the Defense Department. It is slated to transfer to Trump’s presidential library at the end of his term. Total costs for the Bridge conversion are estimated under $400 million, significantly less than the larger VC-25B program.
Critics from both parties have raised concerns about the arrangement, including potential security and constitutional issues, though the administration has defended it as a practical stopgap solution.
Reports suggest Trump may use the new aircraft for a July 3 trip to Mount Rushmore tied to the nation’s 250th anniversary celebrations, though no final decision has been confirmed.
The change comes as the U.S. military manages its aging presidential air fleet while awaiting the delayed replacements. The iconic VC-25As have served through multiple administrations and major historical events.
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