President Donald Trump ended an era in US presidential aviation this Thursday by removing from service one of the historic Air Force One planes that transported the country's leaders for almost four decades. The decision makes way for the use of a Boeing 747 donated by the royal family of Qatar, an aircraft that has generated controversy due to the ethical and safety implications surrounding its incorporation into the presidential fleet.

The veteran Boeing 747-200B made its last official flight during the early hours of the morning, when it took Trump back to Washington after participating in the recent G7 summit held in France. The device had entered service in 1990, during the presidency of George H. W. Bush, and since then it has been used by all occupants of the White House.

The farewell of the emblematic plane was marked by messages from administration officials. Steven Cheung, White House Communications Director, published a photograph of the aircraft accompanied by the message: "Well done, good and faithful servant. The last trip."

For her part, the head of protocol of the United States, Monica Crowley, recalled that she had the opportunity to travel on the device during its last journey and highlighted its historical role in presidential transportation.

A replacement surrounded by questions

The departure of the historic Air Force One coincides with the upcoming entry into service of a Boeing 747 that was delivered by Qatar and subsequently underwent modifications in Texas to adapt it to the needs of presidential transportation. The Air Force previously reported that flight tests and adaptation work were completed successfully, so the aircraft could begin operating this summer.

Unlike the traditional blue and white design that has identified Air Force One for decades, the new aircraft was painted in the red, white and blue colors promoted by Trump since his first term. The Pentagon's acceptance of the aircraft drew criticism from Democratic lawmakers and government ethics experts.

The questions center on the convenience of accepting a luxury plane from a foreign government for presidential use, as well as the possible security vulnerabilities that could arise from its origin.

Although US authorities assure that the device was subjected to exhaustive inspections and modifications, some specialists have warned that presidential planes usually incorporate complex electronic defense and communication systems that require strict security controls.

While Boeing accumulates delays

The Trump administration maintains that the temporary use of the Qatari aircraft will save public resources while Boeing concludes manufacturing of two new 747-8 presidential aircraft ordered during the Republican's first term.

The program, however, has faced years of delays and steep cost increases. According to official estimates, the development of the new aircraft could exceed $5.6 billion dollars.

Against this, the Pentagon assures that the adaptation of the plane from Qatar had a cost close to $400 million dollars, a considerably lower figure. Trump has publicly defended the decision to use the aircraft and has noted that it would be a mistake to reject an asset of that value. Likewise, he has indicated that once his term ends, the plane could become a centerpiece of his future presidential library in Miami.

Although the White House has not confirmed the exact date of its official debut, American media report that the first trip of the new Air Force One could take place in early July, when Trump participates in the commemorative events for the 250th anniversary of the independence of the United States at Mount Rushmore, in South Dakota.