Trump's new Air Force One may not go to his library. Here's where 14 former presidential planes ended up.
The future location of President Trump's new VC-25B Air Force One aircraft remains uncertain despite his stated desire to house it in his presidential library. The article reviews the historical precedents for retired presidential aircraft, which are typically donated to museums or presidential libraries.
Why it matters
Presidential aircraft are significant historical artifacts, and their final placement often reflects the legacy and personal preferences of the outgoing administration.
President Donald Trump's new Air Force One. Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images; Liam McBurney/PA Images via Getty Images When presidential planes are retired from service, they're often acquired by museums. Trump has said he wants his new VC-25B Bridge to end up in his presidential library, but it may not. Here's where past presidential planes have ended up after their service as Air Force One. Presidential planes — dubbed Air Force One when the president is onboard — are more than just aircraft. They're pieces of American history. The 89th Airlift Wing, based at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland, operates the VIP fleet that transports the president, vice president, Cabinet members, and other government officials. When presidential planes are retired from service and replaced by newer models, they're often acquired by aviation museums and presidential libraries — though some have ended up in boneyards where planes go to die .
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