The current Air Force One aircraft are two Boeing 747-200B models designated VC-25A, which first entered service in 1990. These planes are based on a design introduced in 1971, but the specific presidential versions have been in use since 1990, making them about 35 years old as of 2025

. The "Air Force One" call sign itself was created in 1954, but the term commonly refers to the specific aircraft used to transport the U.S. president. Earlier presidential planes date back to the 1940s, with the first purpose- built presidential aircraft used in 1944

. The current VC-25A planes are considered old and are planned to be replaced by new Boeing 747-8 based aircraft, with deliveries delayed to at least 2027

. In summary:

• The current Air Force One planes (VC-25A) are about 35 years old (in service since 1990).
• The Air Force One call sign was established in 1954.
• The presidential aircraft tradition dates back to 1944 with earlier models.