Air Force One is set for a striking new look, with jets used to transport the president expected to receive a paint scheme in President Trump’s preferred colors of red, white, gold and dark blue, according to confirmation from NewsNation, The Hill’s sister network.
An Air Force spokesperson told NewsNation that both the luxury jet donated by Qatar and the new VC-25B Boeing aircraft will feature the updated color palette. The Air Force One designation applies to any aircraft carrying the president, meaning the new design will represent a significant visual shift for the nation’s most recognizable plane.
In addition to the presidential aircraft, four smaller C-32 jets are also slated to receive fresh paint. These planes are referred to as Air Force Two when the vice president is aboard, and they are also used by the first lady and Cabinet secretaries for official travel.
For decades, Air Force One and Air Force Two aircraft have carried a blue and white design first introduced during the Kennedy administration. That traditional color scheme has remained largely unchanged, making the upcoming redesign a notable departure from the long-standing look.
According to NewsNation, the first C-32 has already been repainted and is expected to be delivered to the Air Force within the next few months. The update signals that the process is well underway.
Contractor L3Harris is overseeing upgrades to the Air Force Two planes at its facility in Greenville, Texas, CBS News reported. The outlet first broke the story about the repainting effort. The work represents a coordinated effort between the Air Force and its contractors to implement the updated design across multiple aircraft in the presidential fleet.
While the new paint scheme reflects the president’s personal preference for bold patriotic colors, the change also underscores the administration’s desire to leave its mark on iconic symbols of American leadership. The red, white, gold and dark blue combination stands in contrast to the softer blue and white tones that have defined the fleet since the early 1960s.
The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment from The Hill regarding the repainting. The Defense Department referred inquiries back to the White House.
Air Force One has long served as more than just transportation for the commander in chief. The aircraft is widely recognized around the globe as a symbol of American power and authority. Any changes to its appearance naturally draw attention, given the plane’s visibility at international summits, state visits and major national events.
With the first newly painted aircraft nearing delivery and additional jets slated for updates, the president’s preferred color scheme is poised to become the new face of executive travel. The modernization effort signals a new chapter for one of the most iconic aircraft in the world, blending tradition with a fresh design that reflects the current administration’s style.
