After emotional farewell messages from White House officials, the long-serving VC-25A Air Force One will not be retired or sent to a museum. The aircraft, which has served as the presidential plane since 1990, will continue flying alongside a newly added Boeing 747-8 that was donated by Qatar and refitted for President Donald Trump.
According to a report cited by Luxury Launches, the U.S. Air Force said the older jets are staying in service. The new aircraft, called the VC-25B Bridge, is meant to serve as an interim solution while Boeing finishes the next generation of Air Force One, a project that has been delayed and driven sharply over budget. Current estimates put delivery of the replacement fleet in 2028.
Trump unveiled the new jet at a ceremonial event at Andrews Air Base. The aircraft is described as a large luxury plane that received extensive upgrades, including advanced communications, security, and defense systems. It has also been repainted in red, white, dark blue, and gold, replacing the classic pale blue scheme associated with presidential aircraft since the John F. Kennedy era.
The confusion began after White House officials posted on social media that the veteran plane’s flight was its “last ride.” That wording was later clarified to mean only the end of a chapter in its service, not its removal from the fleet. For now, the VC-25A planes will keep operating in tandem with the new jet, providing backup and flexibility until the future presidential aircraft are ready.
