White House retires 35-year-old Air Force One

White House officials marked the end of an era on Thursday, June 18, 2026, as one of the two Boeing 747 aircraft that have served as Air Force One for over three decades completed what was described as its final presidential mission. The plane, designated VC25A with tail number 29000, landed at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland after transporting President Donald Trump home from the G7 summit in France.

Senior administration staff posted tributes to the aircraft on social media. White House Communications Director Steven Cheung shared a photograph with the caption, "The Last Ride," adding a biblical phrase: "Well done, good and faithful servant." Deputy Chief of Staff Dan Scavino posted a video, stating he had been fortunate to fly on the iconic plane for five and a half years of its 35 years of service. U.S. Chief of Protocol Monica Crowley also noted she was honored to be aboard for its final flight, recalling that it had carried every president since George H.W. Bush.

The transition comes as a new generation of aircraft prepares to enter service. The U.S. Air Force confirmed that a VC25B "Bridge" aircraft will soon join the active executive airlift fleet alongside the current...