• Air Force One, a Boeing 747, completes its last flight after 35 years serving U.S. presidents.
• The aircraft's retirement opens the door for a Qatari jet to potentially enter service.
• Ethical questions arise regarding the acceptance of foreign gifts by the U.S. presidency.
• Trump may utilize the Qatari jet for an inaugural flight during the 250th anniversary celebrations.
• The U.S. government has ordered new 747-8 aircraft to eventually replace Air Force One.

On June 18, White House officials bid farewell to Air Force One, a Boeing 747-200B that served U.S. presidents for over 35 years. This farewell sparked speculation regarding the entry of a Boeing 747 gifted from Qatar to Trump into active service. Chief of Protocol Monica Crowley and Communications Director Steven Cheung shared sentiments about the aircraft's storied history, with Crowley noting, "I was honored to be aboard Air Force One last night on its final flight," describing it as cozy and significant for many past presidents, according to SCMP and Le Monde and Times of India.

The U.S. Air Force confirmed that the Qatari plane, also referred to as the VC-25B Bridge aircraft, completed necessary flight testing and is prepared for service. It is expected to feature a new red, white, and blue livery and join the executive airlift fleet alongside the aging VC-25As and C-32s. Trump reportedly is considering taking this inaugural flight for the upcoming celebrations marking America's 250th anniversary, according to SCMP and Le Monde.

This transition has raised ethical concerns regarding foreign gifts to presidents, especially regarding the security implications of utilizing aircraft donated by another country. Both the retiring Air Force One and its potential successor are equipped with advanced technology designed to protect the president during flights. While the new Qatari aircraft enters service, the U.S. government has also contracted Boeing to deliver two new 747-8 jets for the presidential fleet, although this program has seen delays and budget overruns, according to SCMP, Le Monde, and Times of India.