US Bids Farewell to Aging Air Force One as Qatar Gifted Replacement Nears Service

The United States has officially begun phasing out its long serving presidential aircraft, marking the end of an era for the iconic Air Force One jet that has been in service for 35 years.

Top White House officials reportedly “bade farewell” to the aircraft after President Donald Trump returned from a recent international trip, signalling the transition to a new presidential jet.

The replacement aircraft is a Boeing 747 originally donated by Qatar and later modified for U.S. presidential use. The aircraft has undergone extensive security upgrades, testing and repainting in the traditional red, white and blue Air Force One livery, according to U.S. Air Force officials.

Officials say the Qatari jet is intended to serve as a “bridge aircraft” while Boeing completes new long-term presidential planes, which are not expected to be delivered until around 2028. The temporary replacement is expected to enter service this summer following final checks.

The transition has drawn attention due to the unusual origin of the aircraft and ongoing debate over security, ethics and cost, as the U.S. continues its broader effort to modernise the presidential air fleet.

Despite the controversy, the White House maintains that the move is necessary to ensure uninterrupted presidential air transport while awaiting the next generation of Air Force One aircraft.