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Air Force Adopts Red-White-Gold-and-Dark-Blue Livery for Presidential Fleet

The rollout proceeds alongside a 747-8 replacement program now due in 2028.

Overview

  • The U.S. Air Force unveiled a new paint scheme for presidential transport that departs from the Kennedy-era light blue and introduces dark blue with red, white and a gold accent.
  • The livery will be applied fleetwide, including Boeing 757-200 aircraft used for senior officials, with at least one C-32 already repainted and slated for delivery in the coming months.
  • Visual models of the design have been displayed in the Oval Office, underscoring direct presidential influence on the aircraft’s appearance.
  • A Boeing 747-8 gifted by Qatar in 2025 is being prioritized for conversion into a presidential aircraft and will receive the new livery, according to multiple reports.
  • The two Boeing-built 747-8 replacements face delays and cost growth, with delivery expected in 2028 and total program costs reported above $5 billion, and the Air Force has not detailed how earlier overheating concerns with darker paint were addressed.