WASHINGTON: The United States has officially retired its long-serving presidential aircraft after more than 35 years of service, marking the end of an era in presidential aviation.
According to reports, the Boeing 747 that had been in service since 1990 and transported multiple U.S. presidents on official foreign visits, summits, and diplomatic missions has now completed its final flight. The aircraft last flew from the G7 summit in France to Washington with former President Donald Trump on board.
A new Boeing 747 aircraft, valued at around $400 million and reportedly gifted by Qatar, is being inducted into the presidential fleet as a temporary replacement Air Force One. The aircraft will serve as the new presidential transport until a permanent replacement is finalized.
The retired aircraft had served under several administrations, from former President George H.W. Bush to the present, and had been a central part of hundreds of international trips and high-profile diplomatic engagements.
White House Communications Director Steven Cheung shared a photo of the aircraft on social media, calling it a “good and loyal machine” and referring to its “final ride,” in a tribute marking its retirement.
