The White House has bid farewell to the aging Boeing 747-200 aircraft that has served as Air Force One since 1990, as the first of three new VC-25B planes nears completion. The transition includes a Qatari-donated jet, which will temporarily fill the role before two additional Boeing-modified 747-800s are ready in roughly two years.
Core Developments
The VC-25A, which has been in service for 35 years, was retired after an early Thursday morning landing near Washington. White House officials posted farewells on social media, with Communications Director Steve Cheung calling it "The Last Ride" and Deputy Chief of Staff Dan Scavino thanking the plane for its service. The new VC-25B Bridge aircraft, donated by Qatar, is undergoing modifications to meet security and operational standards before joining the active fleet alongside the VC-25A and C-32.
Deeper Context
The Qatari Jet's Role
The Qatari jet, expected to debut as early as July 3, will serve as a temporary replacement while the two additional VC-25Bs are completed. The plane has already been repainted in a new color scheme designed by former President Donald Trump, featuring a darker blue underbelly and red strip banding. The Air Force confirmed the jet will join the fleet "soon," though no official debut date has been announced.
Security and Political Scrutiny
The Qatari gift has faced criticism from lawmakers and security officials, who raised concerns over potential vulnerabilities and the ethics of accepting such an expensive gift. The plane required extensive modifications to meet U.S. security and communication standards. The Air Force noted the VC-25A will remain part of the fleet, though its future role is unclear.
Operational Details
The C-32, a modified Boeing 757, currently serves as a backup for Air Force One, transporting the vice president, first lady, and cabinet members. The new VC-25B will operate alongside the VC-25A and C-32 until the additional Boeing-modified jets are ready.