20/06/2026
An era may be coming to an end for one of the most iconic aircraft in American history.
Following a trip to Europe this week, White House officials posted emotional farewells to the Boeing 747-200 aircraft that has served as Air Force One since 1990, signaling that its replacement could soon enter service.
White House Communications Director Steven Cheung shared a photo of the aircraft with the caption, "The last ride. Well done, good and faithful servant."
The aircraft, known by the Air Force as the VC-25A, has carried every U.S. president from George H.W. Bush through Donald Trump and has become one of the most recognizable airplanes in the world.
Its replacement is already in the works. Three Boeing 747-8 aircraft are being modified to serve as the next generation of Air Force One, including a heavily modified Boeing 747 donated by Qatar that will temporarily bridge the gap until Boeing completes two purpose-built VC-25B aircraft.
The current VC-25A fleet has played a role in some of the most historic moments in modern American history, including transporting President George W. Bush during the September 11 attacks and carrying multiple presidents to major world events and state funerals.
The future Air Force One fleet will feature a bold new red, white, blue, and gold paint scheme championed by President Trump, replacing the traditional light-blue livery that has defined the aircraft for decades.
Although the aging VC-25As are expected to remain in service for the near future, the arrival of the next-generation fleet marks the beginning of a historic transition for presidential air travel.
**The takeaway:** After 35 years of presidential service, the iconic Boeing 747-200 Air Force One fleet is preparing to hand over duties to a new generation of Boeing 747-8 aircraft. 🇺🇸✈️
