‘Last ride’: Air Force One era ends as new jets near
‘Last ride’: Air Force One era ends as new jets near
Fernando Cervantes Jr., USA TODAYThu, June 18, 2026 at 10:22 PM UTC
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The heavily modified Boeing 747-200, known as Air Force One, was bid farewell by two White House officials after it carried President Donald Trump back from Europe. The official's posts come as the first of three new Air Force Ones are set to be delivered soon.
In a post on X, White House communications director Steve Cheung shared a photo of the plane, which has been serving as Air Force One for more than 30 years.
"The last ride," Cheung said. "Well done, good and faithful servant."
In another post on the same platform, White House Deputy Chief of Staff Dan Scavino posted a video of the plane saying he had "been fortunate to fly around the world on this iconic plane for 5 1/2 years — of the 35 years it has been serving US presidents… THANK YOU…"
The posts from White House officials come as the planes are set to be replaced by three 747-800s, one of which is a luxury jet donated by the government of Qatar.
A new plane in time for 250
The controversial Qatar-donated Air Force One aircraft is set to begin ferrying the president soon.
The U.S. Air Force previously told USA TODAY the new 747 being delivered "this summer" will feature a new paint scheme.
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The plane will feature a new paint scheme designed with Trump's input: red, white, dark blue and gold, which is a major shift from the iconic white and two-toned blue livery designed by First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy.
Speaking to reporters on the National Mall on May 7, Trump confirmed plans for the plane's July 4 delivery: "Yeah, we do think we're going to have it."
Air Force One carrying US President Donald Trump lands at the Geneva Airport ahead of the G7 summit, in Geneva on June 15, 2026.Is the old Air Force One being retired?
Air Force One is the designation given to any plane carrying the president, with several aircraft available to do the job.
According to NBC News, the current fleet includes two 747 jumbo jets that are in use now, which are known by the Air Force as VC-25As. Apart from those, a fleet of modified 757 jets, known as C-32A aircraft, is available for use by the vice president, Cabinet members and other senior officials.
The new planes, which include the luxury jet donated by Qatar, are known by the Air Force as VC-25Bs and are set to enter the fleet this summer. But the outgoing VC-25As will still be able to be used by the president as Air Force One.
Fernando Cervantes Jr. is a trending news reporter for USA TODAY. Reach him at fernando.cervantes@usatodayco.com and follow him on X @fern_cerv_.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Air Force One 'last ride' before replaced by new 747s
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