The U.S. Air Force launches a makeover for Air Force One and other presidential jets with gold, deep red, and navy blue colors favored by President Donald Trump. The update hits the Boeing VC-25B fleet, C-32 vice-presidential planes, and a $400 million Qatar-donated 747-8i jet during scheduled maintenance.
What New Colors Replace Air Force One’s Classic Look?
The presidential fleet swaps its white, blue, and robin’s egg blue scheme—unchanged since President John F. Kennedy’s era—for gold, deep red, and navy blue. These match Trump’s preferences seen in White House designs and his hotels. Model aircraft with the new palette appeared at the White House. His 2024 campaign plane, dubbed “Trump Force One,” already sports the same colors.
Which Planes Get the Trump Gold Paint Job?
- Boeing VC-25B jets, the main Air Force One for presidential travel with office, bedroom, kitchens for 100 meals, and medical suite.
- Four C-32 jets serving as Air Force Two for the vice president; one already painted.
- New 747-8i Boeing from Qatar, valued at $400 million, undergoing Pentagon refit as an unconditional gift.
Painting started last summer on the Qatari jet.
Why Air Force One is Getting Gold Makeover?
The U.S. Air Force rolls out dark navy blue, deep red, and gold to ditch the “soft” robin’s egg blue from Kennedy’s time. President Trump pushed this since his first term, calling it a stronger nod to American flag colors and his Boeing 757 “Trump Force One,” plus his hotels. Biden axed a 2018 version over overheating worries from darker hues, but now it fits routine maintenance for modern branding on the flying White House. Trump revived it to project strength as next-gen planes arrive.
Implementation details include phased application during repairs: VC-25B Boeing 747-8s due 2028; Qatar’s luxury 747-8i interim jet ready by summer with gold interior walls and furnishings; four C-32 Boeing 757s for VP and cabinet (one repainted at L3Harris in Texas); plus DHS 737 and Coast Guard Gulfstream G700. No disruptions expected.
Qatar Donates $400M Jet for Iconic Fleet
Qatar handed over a luxury Boeing 747-8i jet, worth $400 million, as an unconditional gift to bolster the presidential fleet. The Pentagon began refits last summer to turn it into an interim Air Force One, with delivery eyed for this summer. It sports opulent gold-colored walls and furnishings inside, aligning with the new paint scheme. U.S. taxpayers cover only the conversion costs, filling gaps until VC-25B arrivals in 2028.
Does the Gold Makeover Add Costs or Delays?
The Air Force states no extra delays or costs from the new scheme. Work ties into routine repairs and maintenance. Painting finishes on active VC-25B and C-32 aircraft now. Full rollout covers all listed planes without program impacts, per their BBC statement.
Trump’s aesthetic touches extend from campaign travel to White House ballroom plans and gold curling-font signs.
Important FAQs
Q: What colors are coming to Air Force One?
A: Gold, deep red, and navy blue, reflecting President Trump’s style from his hotels and campaign plane.
Q: Which specific aircraft face repainting?
A: Boeing VC-25B (Air Force One), C-32 (Air Force Two), and Qatar’s donated 747-8i jet.
Q: Is the Qatar jet gift free to the U.S.?
A: Yes, unconditional at $400 million value; U.S. pays only refit costs.
Q: Will the paint job raise expenses?
A: No, Air Force says it fits scheduled maintenance with zero added costs or delays.
Q: When did Air Force One’s old colors start?
A: 1960s under President Kennedy; now updating after Trump’s long push.
Disclaimer: Facts are drawn from Air Force statements and news agency reports; fleet operations and timelines subject to official changes and verification. TSG does not independently confirm the information provided by the relevant sources.
