U.S. Air Force Announces New Air Force One Paint Scheme

The U.S. Air Force has officially introduced a new livery for Air Force One and the executive aircraft fleet  moving away from the classic light blue and white scheme that had been in place since the 1960s. The new color palette features red, white, dark blue, and gold  reflecting a design strongly influenced by President Donald Trump’s preferences. This update applies not only to the next-generation Air Force One (designated VC-25B) but also to other government executive jets, including several C-32 aircraft used by senior officials.

What’s New and Why It Matters Major Color Change The iconic blue-and-white look  seen since President John F. Kennedy’s era  is being replaced following Trump’s reinstated proposal. The scheme includes deep red and navy, with gold accents, which Trump and supporters describe as more “patriotic” and visually striking. Ongoing Repainting Some planes in the executive fleet are already being repainted during scheduled maintenance.

Fleet Impact Two new Boeing 747-8 jets being modified for presidential use will wear the new colors once completed. A Boeing 747 jet donated by Qatar  being retrofitted as an interim Air Force One  will also receive the design and could be operational by summer 2026. Background & Context Trump originally proposed a red-white-blue paint scheme during his first term, but it was cancelled by the Biden administration over concerns about cost and technical issues (like darker colors affecting aircraft heat).

Under Trump’s second term, that design preference has returned as an official requirement for the presidential aircraft fleet. The effort reflects both a symbolic change to one of America’s most recognizable state symbols and part of broader updates to U.S. government aviation.  In Other Related Developments The repaint initiative is part of a much larger and long-running Air Force One modernization program, which has faced delays and cost increases well above initial projections.