The White House and the U.S. Air Force are updating the Air Force One paint scheme, changing the look of the presidential aircraft as part of a broader modernization effort, according to USA Today.
The new design will feature red, white, dark blue and gold, replacing the light blue and white colors first introduced in the early 1960s during John F. Kennedy’s presidency. Officials say the update is intended to refresh the fleet’s appearance and create a more consistent look across aircraft used by senior U.S. officials.
The design is similar to one proposed by President Donald Trump during his first term. That plan was paused over concerns that darker colors could increase aircraft temperatures and raise maintenance and engineering costs. The Air Force has not explained how the revised design addresses those concerns.
The new paint scheme will be applied to the next-generation Air Force One aircraft, known as the VC-25B, which are converted Boeing 747-8 jets. After years of delays and cost overruns, the aircraft are now expected to be delivered in 2028. The Air Force will also repaint other executive aircraft, including modified Boeing 757s, during routine maintenance.
