A Boeing 747 that has served as Air Force One for more than three decades appears to have completed its final presidential mission, marking the end of an era for one of the most recognizable planes in the world.
The aircraft, a VC-25A based on the Boeing 747-200, landed early on Thursday after returning President Donald Trump to the U.S. from a trip to Europe. Shortly afterward, White House Communications Director Steven Cheung shared a photo of the plane on social media with the caption, “The Last Ride.”
The plane has been used to transport U.S. presidents — and has served as a flying White House for administrations — since 1990.
Its retirement comes as the federal government prepares to transition to a new generation of presidential aircraft. Boeing is building two modified 747-800 jets that will eventually assume the role of Air Force One, though the planes are not expected to enter service for at least two more years.
In the meantime, officials have also been preparing a separate Boeing 747-800 donated by Qatar. Modifications to that aircraft are believed to be complete, though details about its future role have not been publicly disclosed.
All three aircraft are expected to feature a redesigned exterior color scheme selected by Trump during his first term. The design replaces the traditional light-blue-and-white livery with a palette of red, white, gold and dark blue.
The Air Force One designation applies to any aircraft carrying the president, but the term has become synonymous with the specially equipped Boeing 747s that have transported presidents around the globe.
For decades, the outgoing aircraft has served as a symbol of American power and diplomacy, carrying commanders in chief to war zones, international summits and historic meetings around the world.
Its apparent final flight closes a chapter in presidential aviation history as the White House prepares for a new fleet of aircraft designed to carry future presidents for decades to come.
