New Air Force One Paint Design Draws Comparisons to Classic Airline Liveries

The design for the next generation of Air Force One aircraft is drawing attention — not just for its bold red, white, blue, and gold color scheme, but for how closely it resembles several well-known airline paint jobs from the past.

The U.S. Air Force confirmed recently that the Boeing 747-800 aircraft currently being modified to serve as the next presidential fleet will feature a livery similar to a design proposed during Donald Trump’s first term. The updated version also includes a large American flag flowing across the tail.

The color scheme had previously been reversed during the Biden administration, which had favored a more traditional light blue and white design similar to the presidential aircraft used since the Kennedy administration. However, the aircraft were never painted before the change in administrations, and the newer design has now been reinstated.

The paint scheme will eventually appear on two Boeing 747-800 aircraft being modified by Boeing as part of the VC-25B program, along with a third Boeing 747-800 donated to the U.S. military by Qatar.

Observers have noted similarities between the new Air Force One design and several commercial airline liveries. One of the most frequently mentioned comparisons is to the final paint scheme used by Trans World Airlines before the company was acquired by American Airlines in 2001.

Aviation historians say the resemblance is striking, though not unusual. Red, white, and blue color combinations are common in U.S. aviation branding.

The design also shares similarities with the color scheme used on Donald Trump’s personal Boeing 757, which features a flowing American flag design and a dark blue lower fuselage.

While the design is largely a cosmetic decision, it does come with technical considerations. Darker paint colors absorb more sunlight and can increase heat on the aircraft’s surface, which could require additional cooling systems in some areas of the plane.

The next-generation presidential aircraft are being outfitted with extensive communications and security systems. The two Boeing jets under modification in Texas are currently scheduled to be delivered around mid-2028.

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