U.S. Air Force Adopts New Livery for Presidential and Executive Fleet

The U.S. Air Force is implementing a new paint scheme for its presidential and executive fleet aircraft. This new livery, featuring red, white, dark blue, and gold accents, is being applied to future Air Force One (VC-25B) aircraft, a Boeing 747 donated by Qatar, and smaller C-32 executive transports. This design was initially proposed during Donald Trump's first term and reverses a prior decision by the Biden administration.

New Livery Unveiled for Presidential and Executive Fleet

The new paint scheme replaces the previous robin's egg blue and white design, which dated back to the Kennedy administration.

The updated livery incorporates white over dark blue, separated by red and gold lines. It includes a large American flag on the tail, the text "United States of America," and a U.S. military 'stars-and-bars' insignia.

The scheme will be applied to the two new Boeing 747s designated as VC-25B, which are undergoing extensive modifications to serve as the next generation of Air Force One. Additionally, a highly modified ex-Qatari VVIP 747-8i is being repurposed and is anticipated to be operational as a VC-25 bridge aircraft by this summer.

Four smaller C-32 aircraft, military versions of the Boeing 757 used for transporting high-priority personnel and functioning as Air Force Two, will also receive the new colors during scheduled maintenance. The first C-32 aircraft (serial number 99-0003) featuring the new paint scheme was observed flying from Majors Airport in Greenville, Texas. This aircraft had been at the airport since December for work and was seen without paint earlier in the month. Contractor L3 Harris is involved in upgrading C-32 planes at its facility in Greenville, Texas. The first C-32 with the new livery is expected for delivery to the Air Force within the coming months.

To enhance operational security, the serial numbers of these aircraft are not readily visible, aligning with a current Air Mobility Command policy.

A Policy Reversal: From Trump's Proposal to Current Implementation

The adoption of this red, white, and blue paint scheme follows its initial proposal by then-President Donald Trump during his first term. In 2019, President Trump introduced a model showcasing his desired colors for the upcoming VC-25B Air Force One.

The Biden administration subsequently reversed this decision in 2022, citing cost and technical reasons. At that time, an Air Force spokesperson indicated that darker colors on the underside of the aircraft might contribute to temperatures exceeding qualification limits for certain components.

Following recent developments, the proposed paint scheme has been approved for the new aircraft, reversing the Biden administration's earlier directive.

Expanding Reach: Other Fleets and Future Plans

This new red, white, and blue livery is also being adopted across other U.S. government executive jet fleets. A Boeing 737 Business Jet (N471US), linked to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), was the first to display this scheme. The U.S. Coast Guard, which operates under DHS, has also received the first of two new Gulfstream 700 (G700) Long Range Command and Control Aircraft (LRCCA) with this new paint job, intended for VIP transport and continuity of government plans.

The Air Force is actively exploring options to replace its C-32A fleet, as the Boeing 757 is no longer in production, affecting supply chains. The service is considering replacing both its C-32s and C-40s with a single common platform to streamline executive airlift operations. Meanwhile, the existing C-32 fleet is undergoing upgrades, including enhancements to secure communications and new interior installations. Additional 747s, such as second-hand aircraft from Lufthansa, have been acquired for the VC-25B program for training and parts. It is anticipated that the VC-25Bs will eventually be accompanied by other executive airlift aircraft featuring identical paint schemes.