White House Retires 35-Year-Old Air Force One as Qatar-Gifted Jet Awaits Activation

Bangkok Post—The White House held a farewell ceremony for the Boeing VC-25A Air Force One aircraft that has served US presidents since 1990, marking the plane's retirement as the administration prepares to take delivery of the Boeing 747 gifted by Qatar. The outgoing jet carried presidents through the Gulf War, 9/11, and three decades of international diplomacy before being officially retired. Daily Wire reported that officials dubbed the retirement 'The Last Ride' in their internal communications. The Qatari-donated aircraft remains controversial — members of Congress have questioned whether accepting it from a foreign government complies with the Emoluments Clause. No activation date has been set for the replacement jet, which will require extensive security upgrades before presidential use.

• Bangkok Post — The retired VC-25A served US presidents for 35 years; the Qatar-gifted replacement awaits security upgrades
• The Hill — White House officials held a farewell event for the plane that flew every president since 1990
• Daily Wire — Officials called the retirement ceremony 'The Last Ride' in internal White House communications