After more than three decades transporting American presidents around the globe, the Boeing 747 that has long served as Air Force One returned to Joint Base Andrews before sunrise Thursday, fueling speculation that its reign may soon be coming to an end as a newly modified Qatari-donated aircraft prepares to enter service.

The arrival of the aircraft sparked a wave of tributes from senior Trump administration officials, many of whom appeared to suggest that the venerable jet’s final chapter is near. Nevertheless, the U.S. Air Force stressed that the aircraft is not being retired at this time.

White House Communications Director Steven Cheung shared a photograph on X of VC-25A tail number 92-9000 after it carried President Donald Trump home from the G7 summit in France. Accompanying the image was the message: “Well done, good and faithful servant. The Last Ride.”

White House Deputy Chief of Staff Dan Scavino also marked the occasion, posting video footage of the aircraft and reflecting on his years aboard it.

“I have been fortunate to fly around the world on this iconic plane for 5 1/2 years, of the 35 years it has been serving U.S. Presidents.”

U.S. Chief of Protocol Monica Crowley echoed the sentiment, writing that she had been “honored to be aboard Air Force One last night on its final flight.”

Despite those public tributes, Air Force officials moved quickly to clarify that the aircraft remains in active service.

A spokesperson told The War Zone that the incoming VC-25B Bridge aircraft—the designation assigned to the modified Qatari Boeing 747-8i—will enter the executive airlift fleet “alongside the VC-25A,” adding that both existing VC-25A aircraft will continue operating for the foreseeable future.

The new aircraft recently completed an intensive modification and testing program conducted by L3Harris in Texas. The work, which took roughly a year, wrapped up in early May. The plane is now receiving the distinctive red, white, gold, and blue paint scheme selected by President Trump.

Air Force leaders praised the accelerated effort, highlighting it as an example of streamlined project management.

The service said the project “epitomizes what is possible when clear accountability is placed on one individual,” in a statement from Gen. Dale White, the Air Force official overseeing critical major weapons programs.

Even so, the Bridge aircraft is intended only as an interim solution.

The permanent replacement fleet consists of two specially outfitted VC-25B aircraft being converted by Boeing under a contract awarded in 2018. Those aircraft are now projected to arrive in mid-2028, years later than the original target date of 2024.

Costs associated with the program have continued to rise. The Government Accountability Office estimates the total price tag for the VC-25B program has climbed to approximately $5.6 billion, significantly above the original estimate of $3.9 billion. By comparison, Air Force officials estimate the conversion of the Qatari aircraft will cost less than $400 million.

The arrangement has drawn criticism from lawmakers and analysts across the political spectrum, with opponents raising concerns about both constitutional questions and national-security implications.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth accepted the aircraft as an unconditional gift to the Defense Department, which will oversee its operation and upkeep. Current plans call for the aircraft to be transferred to President Trump’s presidential library once his term in office concludes.

Democrats have sharply criticized the arrangement, characterizing the gift as a bribe and questioning the wisdom of spending public funds to modify an aircraft that may only serve as the presidential transport for the remainder of Trump’s administration.

No official date has been set for the president’s first trip aboard the new aircraft. However, reports indicate that Trump is weighing the possibility of using it for a July 3 visit to Mount Rushmore as part of celebrations marking America’s 250th anniversary.

Reuters previously reported that the aircraft could make its public debut during a Fourth of July flyover, potentially ushering in a new era for presidential travel.

{Matzav.com}