WASHINGTON: White House officials on Thursday bid farewell to one of the two Boeing 747 aircraft that have transported US presidents for more than three decades, fueling speculation that a jet gifted by Qatar to President Donald Trump could soon enter service.
The messages marking the retirement of the aircraft came as reports suggested Trump may soon fly aboard the Qatari-donated Boeing 747.
“Well done, good and faithful servant.”
The Last Ride. pic.twitter.com/YGNCDvjRSB
— Steven Cheung (@StevenCheung47) June 18, 2026
“‘Well done, good and faithful servant. ‘The Last Ride,'” White House Communications Director Steven Cheung wrote on X, posting a photograph of the iconic blue-and-white aircraft after it returned from the Group of Seven (G7) summit in France.
US Chief of Protocol Monica Crowley also shared a photograph of the aircraft on the tarmac at Joint Base Andrews near Washington.
“I was honored to be aboard Air Force One last night on its final flight,” Crowley wrote on X.
I was honored to be aboard Air Force One last night on its final flight.
For nearly 40 years, it carried every President since George H.W. Bush. It wasn’t the most modern plane, but it was cozy. And every flight with President Trump was incredibly special.
Farewell and thank… pic.twitter.com/ahCpCOWNl6
— Monica Crowley (@MonicaCrowley) June 18, 2026
“For nearly 40 years, it carried every President since George H.W. Bush. It wasn’t the most modern plane, but it was cozy. And every flight with President Trump was incredibly special.
“Farewell and thank you.”
The aircraft is one of two heavily modified Boeing 747s, known in military terminology as VC-25As, that entered service in 1990. The planes receive the call sign Air Force One whenever the US president is on board.
The White House did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
NBC News reported that Trump is considering using the Qatari aircraft for an inaugural presidential trip to Mount Rushmore next month as part of celebrations marking the 250th anniversary of US independence.
The US Air Force said in May that the aircraft had completed flight testing and was on track to enter service soon.
On Thursday, the Air Force confirmed to AFP that the aircraft, known as the VC-25B Bridge aircraft, “will soon join the active executive airlift fleet alongside the VC-25A and C-32.”
The C-32, often referred to as “Baby Air Force One,” is a modified Boeing 757 used for presidential travel to destinations with shorter runways.
Check out how BEAUTIFUL the NEW Air Force One.
Qatar GIFTED it to Trump and the United Ststes.
Thanks to President Trump, it didn’t cost taxpayers a dime.
Thank you, President Trump. pic.twitter.com/AZK6pc2UM3
— Mila Joy (@Milajoy) June 18, 2026
Qatar’s gift of the aircraft, reportedly worth hundreds of millions of dollars, has drawn criticism from US lawmakers and experts, who argue that accepting such a high-value gift from a foreign government raises constitutional concerns and questions about foreign influence.
Aircraft serving as Air Force One are believed to be equipped with sophisticated defensive systems, including radar-jamming technology, infrared countermeasures, chaff dispensers and flare systems designed to protect against missile threats.
Trump has long expressed frustration with the ageing presidential fleet and has repeatedly pushed for a replacement. During his first term, he personally oversaw plans for a redesigned red, white and blue Air Force One colour scheme.
The Republican president has defended accepting the Qatari aircraft, saying last year that it would be “stupid” to reject the offer. He has also argued that the aircraft would eventually be transferred to his future presidential library for public display.
Meanwhile, Boeing remains under contract to deliver two new VC-25B presidential aircraft based on the Boeing 747-8 platform. However, the programme has faced years of delays and significant cost overruns.
