The United States presidential aircraft, commonly known as Air Force One, has been officially retired after 35 years of service. The long-serving Boeing jet, which carried US presidents across the world, has now been replaced by a luxury aircraft gifted by Qatar, valued at around $400 million, which will serve as the new Air Force One Replacement Program aircraft.
The Boeing 747, which had been in service since 1990, completed decades of operational duty for the US Air Force. It transported multiple US presidents, including George H.W. Bush and Donald Trump, to hundreds of international summits, diplomatic missions, and historic state visits. Over time, the aircraft became a globally recognized symbol of American presidential power.
President Donald Trump reportedly took his final flight on the aircraft from France back to Washington after attending the G7 summit. The farewell flight marked the end of an era for the iconic presidential plane, which has been a key part of US executive travel for more than three decades.
US Communications Director Steven Cheung shared an image of the aircraft on social media, describing it as a “good and loyal companion” in what he called its “final ride,” highlighting the emotional significance attached to the aircraft’s retirement.
Meanwhile, US authorities have confirmed that a luxury Boeing 747 gifted by Qatar a year earlier will be integrated into the presidential fleet as a temporary replacement for Air Force One. Officials say the aircraft will serve as an interim solution while long-term upgrades to the presidential aviation program continue. The retired jet remains a historic symbol of US leadership and global diplomacy.