The largest Air Force One jet that has carried US presidents for more than three decades was put out to pasture Thursday — fueling speculation that President Trump could soon begin flying aboard the controversial Boeing 747 gifted by Qatar.
The aging tricked-out jet’s “last ride” was confirmed on X by Trump spokesman Steven Chueng after the president’s return aboard it from the G7 Summit in Switzerland.
“Well done, good and faithful servant. The last ride,” Chung wrote.
The aircraft is one of two heavily modified Air Force One Boeing 747s that debuted in the 1990s and have been serving as the “flying White House,” featuring the most advanced communications systems and defensive countermeasures to protect the president during national emergencies.
Monica Crowley, US chief of protocol, shared a photo of the retiring Air Force One jet on the Joint Base Andrews tarmac near Washington, DC, on Thursday and wrote she was “honored to be aboard” on its “final flight.
“It wasn’t the most modern plane, but it was cozy,” Crowley said. “And every flight with President Trump was incredibly special. Farewell and thank you.”
The post immediately sparked questions about whether Trump is planning to officially add the Boeing 747 gifted from the Gulf nation of Qatar to his now-depleted presidential fleet — as Boeing’s effort to build two new VC-25B presidential jets continues to face cost overruns and schedule delays.
For Trump’s upcoming trip to Mount Rushmore next month as part of celebrations for America’s 250th anniversary, he is planning on riding the new Qatari jet for its inaugural flight, NBC said.
In May, the US Air Force announced that the jet had completed its flight practice and is ready for takeoff, “on schedule to roll out in a new red, white, and blue livery this summer.”
The Qatari plane is a VC-25 model, as was the newly retired Air Force One jet.
The other Air Force One aircraft — informally known as “Baby Air Force One” — is a smaller C-23 and specifically used for shorter runways.
Security experts have cited concerns about converting the foreign-made Qatari aircraft into presidential transport, stating it would “require major modifications and inspections.”
But Trump has repeatedly defended accepting the aircraft for his use, arguing that turning down the gift would have been foolish.
“It was stupid not to accept it,” Trump has said.
The president has long pushed for a replacement to the aging Air Force One fleet, complaining during both of his administrations about the condition of the decades-old aircraft.
Trump has said the Qatari jet would eventually be donated to his future Presidential Library as an exhibit.
The White House did not respond to the Post’s request for comment.