A Boeing 747-200 that has served as Air Force One since 1990 made its final flight this week after bringing President Trump home from Europe, the Air Force confirmed Friday. The retirement of the VC-25A aircraft designated tail number 29000 leaves one 747-200 still operating in the presidential fleet alongside the smaller C-32.
White House Communications Director Steven Cheung posted on X after the final flight, writing, “Well done, good and faithful servant. The Last Ride.” Deputy Chief of Staff Dan Scavino also paid tribute, posting a video and saying he had been “fortunate to fly around the world on this iconic plane for 5½ years” of the 35 years it has served presidents.
The plane entered service in 1990, with President George H.W. Bush as its first presidential passenger. Two VC-25A aircraft — tail numbers 28000 and 29000 — have operated together as Air Force One. The retirement of 29000 leaves 28000 in the active fleet.
An Air Force spokesperson said in a statement that “the VC-25B Bridge aircraft will soon join the active executive airlift fleet alongside the VC-25A and C-32.” The replacement is part of a broader transition to the Boeing 747-800 platform. Three 747-800s are being prepared, including a luxury jet donated by the Qatari government. Officials have said modifications and testing are complete, and the aircraft should be ready for use this summer.
Gen. Dale White, the Department of Defense’s direct reporting portfolio manager for critical major weapons systems, said in a May statement that the Qatari plane will “relieve pressure on the aging VC-25A fleet.” He added that the Bridge aircraft “fulfills a critical short-term requirement, guaranteeing the Air Force continues to execute its no-fail mission for the commander in chief while laying a rock-solid foundation for the future.”
The new planes will adopt Trump’s preferred color scheme of red, white, gold and dark blue. Trump proposed the change during his first term, but President Joe Biden reversed the plan back to the traditional colors after taking office. After Trump’s re-election, the new color scheme was once again adopted.