The United States has begun transitioning its presidential air fleet as officials bid farewell to the ageing Boeing 747-200 that has served as Air Force One since 1990.
The aircraft, known within the Air Force as the VC-25A, landed near Washington on Thursday morning after completing what is expected to be one of its final high-profile journeys carrying President Donald Trump back from Europe.
White House officials marked the moment with public tributes on social media, describing the aircraft as an iconic symbol of presidential travel that has served for more than three decades.
White House communications director Steve Cheung referred to the jet as “The last ride,” while Deputy Chief of Staff Dan Scavino reflected on years of global travel aboard the aircraft, thanking it for its long service.
The VC-25A fleet is being gradually replaced by modified Boeing 747-8 aircraft, designated VC-25Bs, which are undergoing extensive upgrades to meet security, communications and operational requirements for presidential use.
Among the interim arrangements is a modified luxury aircraft donated by Qatar, which is being converted under strict security supervision before joining the executive airlift programme.
The ageing Air Force One aircraft will remain part of the fleet for now, even as newer planes are introduced over the coming years, according to the US Air Force.
How old is Kenya’s presidential jet?
In Africa, attention has also turned to the contrast in presidential aviation standards during major diplomatic events, including the Africa Forward Summit in Nairobi, where several leaders arrived aboard modern long-range executive jets.
In Kenya, debate has intensified over the continued use of Harambee One, a Fokker 70 Extended Range acquired in 1995. Now over 30 years old, the presidential aircraft is among the oldest still in service on the continent, with growing concerns over maintenance costs, reliability, and its suitability for long-haul diplomatic travel.
Critics have increasingly called for its replacement or a comprehensive upgrade, arguing that the ageing jet no longer matches Kenya’s expanding regional role and its increasing participation in high-level international engagements.