Farewell to a Veteran Air Force One: VC-25A 29000 Retires as Qatar-Donated Jet Prepares to Take Over

Boeing 747-200 VC-25A, tail number 29000, entered service in 1990 and carried every U.S. president from George H.W. Bush to Donald Trump. On 18 June 2026 it completed its final flight from Joint Base Andrews, ending a 35-year tenure.

Trump takes final ride on old Air Force One plane, jet gifted by Qatar to join fleet

June 2 2026 the second VC-25A landed at Majors Airport, Texas, where the Qatari-donated 747 is being converted. Bridge aircraft flew a test on June 10 and was declared “on schedule” for a rollout in May 2026. Trump signaled a July 4 inaugural flight.

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The two VC-25As will be supplemented by three VC-25Bs—including the Qatari bridge plane—and two 747-8s costing $5.6 billion. The Qatari retrofit costs under $400 million. It raises security concerns over foreign-origin hardware, constitutional concerns about a multi-hundred-million-dollar gift, and keep executive airlift uninterrupted.

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White House communications director Steven Cheung posted a farewell note; Chief of Protocol Monica Crowley praised the plane’s service; Deputy Chief of Staff Dan Scavino thanked it for “5 ½ years” of flights. An Air Force spokesperson said the VC-25B bridge aircraft will join active fleet with the VC-25A and C-32. President Trump confirmed the jet’s readiness for a July 4 inaugural flight; Pentagon said the retrofit is on schedule and within budget. Lawmakers warn the gift aircraft could embed undisclosed vulnerabilities and raise constitutional concerns, noting the $400 million retrofit as a costly interim fix while the $5.6 billion jet program lags. Sources differ on the fate of the second VC-25A, and cost estimates for the Qatari retrofit vary between “probably less than $400 million” and “under $400 million.” The bridge aircraft’s Andrews basing date remains unconfirmed.

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• “Well done, good and faithful servant. The Last Ride.” — Steven Cheung, White House communications director

South China Morning Post

• “I was honoured to be aboard Air Force One last night on its final flight. For nearly 40 years, it carried every President since George H.W. Bush. It wasn’t the most modern plane, but it was cozy. And every flight with President Trump was incredibly special.” — Monica Crowley, U.S. Chief of Protocol

South China Morning Post

• “Been fortunate to fly around the world on this iconic plane for 5 ½ years — of the 35 years it has been serving US presidents… THANK YOU…” — Dan Scavino, White House Deputy Chief of Staff

USA Today

• “Ultimately, 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.” — Air Force spokesperson

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The Qatari-donated VC-25B is slated for a summer rollout and a first presidential flight on July 4 2026. The two new 747-8s are expected to enter service by 2028, completing the fleet modernization.

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