The U.S. Air Force is replacing the long-standing blue-and-white paint scheme on the presidential aircraft fleet with a new design in dark navy, deep red and gold. The change applies to current VIP aircraft and the next generation of Air Force One jets, CBS News was first to report.
The robin’s egg blue exterior dates to the Kennedy administration. The light blue design has remained in place through five presidencies. As aircraft rotate through scheduled maintenance, they are being repainted in the updated colors.
Trump’s first-term design returns
President Donald Trump unveiled a model of Air Force One in 2018 featuring a red, white and dark blue design. The plan was later canceled during the Biden administration for the VC-25B aircraft, the military designation for the new 747-8 replacements, citing cost and engineering concerns.
The repaint restores the color scheme Trump sought during his first term.
Two existing Boeing 747-200B aircraft currently serve as Air Force One when the president is aboard, with one always kept ready while the other undergoes maintenance.
Qatar jet and 747 replacements included
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President Dwight D. Eisenhower was the first to use the Air Force One call sign.
The repaint requirement covers multiple aircraft, including the two Boeing 747-8 planes being converted to serve as the future Air Force One. The planes are being modified to meet presidential operational and security requirements.
It also applies to the 747-8 jet donated by Qatar, which the Air Force is refurbishing for presidential use. That aircraft is expected to be ready no later than this summer.
Smaller executive aircraft are included as well. The C-32 planes — used to transport senior officials and designated as Air Force Two when the vice president is aboard — are being repainted as part of ongoing upgrades. One C-32 has already been painted and is expected to be delivered to the Air Force in the coming months.
When the president is aboard, the aircraft uses the call sign Air Force One. Its capabilities and mission will not change under the new design.
Straight Arrow News has requested comment from the U.S. Air Force.
