US Air Force Announces Trump-Preferred Livery for New VC-25B Jets
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The U.S. Air Force revealed a new red, white, and blue livery for its future VC-25B presidential jets, a design previously favored by Donald Trump.
Key Takeaways
- •Reinstates a red, white, and dark blue livery previously favored by former President Trump.
- •Applies the new paint scheme to two incoming VC-25B jets and four C-32 aircraft.
- •Replaces the iconic Kennedy-era livery used on presidential aircraft since 1962.
- •Projects a delivery date of around 2028 for the new, heavily modified Boeing 747-8i aircraft.
The United States Air Force (USAF) has officially announced a new red, white, and dark blue livery for the next generation of presidential aircraft. The decision standardizes the paint scheme across the executive airlift fleet, including the two forthcoming Boeing VC-25B jets and four C-32 aircraft, and reinstates a design concept previously championed by former President Donald Trump.
This move marks a significant visual departure from the iconic 'luminous ultramarine' and white design that has adorned the presidential fleet since the Kennedy administration in 1962. The new livery features a dark blue underbelly and engine cowlings, a white fuselage, and a prominent red stripe accented with gold trim.
Fleet Modernization and New Livery
The new paint scheme is a central component of the Presidential Aircraft Recapitalization (PAR) program, which is replacing the current fleet of aging presidential transports. The two new aircraft, designated Boeing VC-25B, are heavily modified Boeing 747-8 Intercontinental airframes. They are set to replace the two existing VC-25A aircraft, which are modified Boeing 747-200Bs that entered service in 1990.
In an official statement, the Air Force confirmed the scope of the change. “The U.S. Air Force is implementing this red, white, gold, and dark blue paint scheme for the VC-25B, 747-8i, as well as the executive airlift fleet, which includes four C-32 aircraft,” a spokesperson said. The C-32 is the military designation for the Boeing 757-200, an aircraft primarily used to transport the Vice President, first lady, and other senior officials.
A Reversal of Course
The adoption of the darker color scheme reverses a previous decision made in 2023. The Biden administration had scrapped the Trump-proposed design, citing concerns that the dark blue paint on the aircraft's belly could cause overheating in some sensitive components. The current announcement suggests those technical challenges have been addressed or that the requirement has been re-evaluated.
Then-President Donald Trump first advocated for a patriotic redesign in 2018, stating, “Air Force One is going to be incredible... And it's going to be red, white and blue, which I think is appropriate.” The newly confirmed design closely mirrors the renderings he promoted during his term.
Program Cost and Timeline
The USAF awarded Boeing a $3.9 billion contract in 2018 to begin modifying two 747-8i aircraft that were originally built for a defunct Russian airline. According to Defense One, the total cost for the VC-25B program, which includes extensive modifications, testing, and construction of new hangar facilities, is estimated to be over $5 billion.
The complex process of converting the commercial airliners into flying command centers involves installing advanced communication systems, missile defense countermeasures, and a full executive interior. The delivery of the new VC-25B aircraft is currently expected around 2028.
The Executive Airlift Fleet
Standardizing the livery across the VIP transport fleet aims to create a consistent visual identity for U.S. executive airlift missions. The Boeing C-32 aircraft, while smaller than the VC-25B, play a critical role in transporting government leaders. When the Vice President is aboard, a C-32 operates under the call sign 'Air Force Two'. The application of the new livery to these four aircraft will occur during their regularly scheduled maintenance and painting cycles.
The current VC-25A fleet will continue to serve until the new VC-25B aircraft are fully operational. After their retirement from presidential service, the future of the VC-25A airframes has not been publicly disclosed.
Why This Matters
This decision aligns the visual identity of the U.S. executive airlift fleet with a specific political vision, marking a significant departure from a design that has been a global symbol of the American presidency for over 60 years. The move underscores the lasting influence of presidential preferences on high-profile military procurement and branding, even for assets with multi-decade service lives.
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Written by Ujjwal Sukhwani
Aviation News Editor & Industry Analyst delivering clear coverage for a worldwide audience. Covers flight operations, safety regulations, and market trends with expert analysis.
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