New Air Force One Paint Scheme Unveiled

The updated design features red, white, dark blue, and gold colors.

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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The U.S. Air Force has announced a new paint scheme for its executive airlift fleet, including the next-generation Air Force One aircraft. The new design marks a departure from the current white and two-tone blue livery, and revives elements of former President Donald Trump's proposed red, white and blue scheme that was previously scrapped.

Why it matters

The redesign of Air Force One's iconic appearance is a symbolic and high-profile change, reflecting the evolving priorities and aesthetics of different presidential administrations. The new color palette aims to update the aircraft's look while addressing previous technical concerns about overheating.

The details

The new paint scheme will be applied to the VC-25B - the military designation for the new Boeing 747-8i aircraft that will serve as Air Force One. Additionally, four modified Boeing 757-200s used to transport the vice president, cabinet members, and other senior government officials will carry the updated livery. The Air Force did not provide details on how the new design addresses the thermal concerns that doomed Trump's previous paint proposal.

  • The Air Force announced the new paint scheme on Tuesday, February 18, 2026.

The players

U.S. Air Force

The military service branch responsible for the design and implementation of the new Air Force One paint scheme.

Donald Trump

The former U.S. president who proposed a red, white, and blue color scheme for Air Force One that was previously rejected due to overheating concerns.

Joe Biden

The current U.S. president whose administration rejected Trump's previous paint proposal and has now approved the new color palette.

Boeing

The aerospace company that is manufacturing the new VC-25B aircraft that will serve as Air Force One.

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What’s next

The Air Force said the 757-200 aircraft will receive their new livery during regularly scheduled maintenance windows, with one jet already repainted and scheduled for delivery in the coming months.

The takeaway

The updated Air Force One paint scheme reflects the evolving priorities of different presidential administrations, balancing symbolic design changes with practical engineering considerations. The new color palette aims to modernize the iconic aircraft's appearance while addressing previous thermal concerns.