POLITICS

U.S. Air Force adopts new presidential aircraft color scheme

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Washington: The U.S. Air Force announced this week it will apply a red, white, dark blue and gold paint scheme across parts of the presidential and executive fleet, replacing the Kennedy-era light-blue livery. The service said the palette echoes a proposal advanced by former President Donald Trump and appears on a donated Qatari Boeing jet and several smaller executive aircraft already undergoing refurbishment. Boeing continues work on next-generation Air Force One airframes while contractors repaint existing planes at a Texas facility; officials said one aircraft in the new scheme has been photographed. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

Prepared by Lauren Mitchell and reviewed by editorial team.

Timeline of Events

1960s: Kennedy administration establishes the light-blue-and-white presidential livery.
2018: President Trump proposes a darker navy, red and white design for Air Force One.
2022: The earlier repaint plan is canceled amid cost and technical/overheating concerns.
Late 2025–early 2026: Photographs and reports show some executive aircraft in the new red, white, gold and dark-blue scheme.
2026: U.S. Air Force, Boeing and contractors proceed with repainting and refurbishing donated and existing jets.

Why This Matters to You

The presidential fleet's new look might catch your eye on TV or in person. It's a change from the light-blue design we've known since the 1960s. The red, white, dark blue, and gold scheme was proposed by former President Trump.

The Bottom Line

This change is mostly about aesthetics, not functionality. The Air Force and Boeing are working on the repaint, so your tax dollars are involved. If you're curious about the progress, keep an eye out for photos of the new design. Worth forwarding if you know a plane enthusiast.