President Trump became the last president to fly aboard one of the heavily customized Boeing 747-200s operating as Air Force One, as it made its final flight to bring the commander in chief back from Europe earlier this week. The aircraft, designated VC-25A by the Air Force, has served seven U.S. presidents since first carrying George H.W. Bush in 1990.
The plane's retirement marks the end of an era for presidential air travel. Two Boeing 747-200s have been used as Air Force One: one with tail code 29000 being retired and another still in service with tail code 28000. Three newer 747-800 models are currently being outfitted to replace the aging fleet, including a luxury jet donated by the Qatari government that is expected to serve as temporary Air Force One as soon as this summer.
What the Right Is Saying
White House officials celebrated the aircraft's legacy with tributes posted on social media. Communications Director Steven Cheung wrote on X, "Well done, good and faithful servant" alongside a photo of the plane, adding: "The Last Ride." Deputy Chief of Staff Dan Scavino expressed gratitude in a video post: "I have been fortunate to fly around the world on this iconic plane for 5½ years — of the 35 years it has been serving the U.S. Presidents…THANK YOU…"
Trump administration allies emphasized the incoming fleet's updated capabilities and new color scheme, which will feature red, white, gold, and navy blue per the president's preference, replacing the traditional two-toned lighter blue design that has adorned presidential aircraft for decades.
What the Left Is Saying
Progressive observers have noted the symbolism of retiring aircraft that has carried multiple administrations across decades. Some Democratic analysts highlighted the continuity of presidential infrastructure regardless of party affiliation, emphasizing that Air Force One represents institutional stability in executive branch operations. The focus on modernizing the fleet has drawn support from those who argue updated aircraft improve security and communication capabilities for sitting presidents.
Critics within the party have also pointed to the delays affecting Boeing's delivery of replacement aircraft as a broader concern about defense procurement timelines. Questions about cost overruns and production challenges have been raised in previous congressional oversight hearings on presidential transport modernization.
What the Numbers Show
The VC-25A fleet entered service in 1990 under President George H.W. Bush, making it 35 years old at retirement. The retiring aircraft with tail code 29000 completed its final presidential mission returning Trump from Europe this week. Boeing's two remaining replacement 747-800s have faced repeated delays: originally expected in 2024, they are now scheduled for delivery in mid-2028. The Qatari-donated jet is undergoing modification and testing at Air Force facilities, with the service stating it will "relieve pressure on the aging VC-25A fleet," according to Gen. Dale White, the Department of Defense's direct reporting portfolio manager for critical major weapons systems.
The Bottom Line
The retirement of the 747-200 Air Force One fleet concludes a chapter of presidential travel that spanned nearly four decades and seven administrations. The transition to newer 747-800 aircraft will bring updated technology and new livery to the presidential fleet, though Boeing's delivery delays mean the Qatari-donated plane will serve as an interim solution. Congressional oversight committees are expected to monitor the procurement timeline and costs associated with the modernization program in coming months.