Biden administration scraps Air Force One livery changes planned by Trump

The Biden administration has decided not to move forward with paint design changes on Air Force One planned by former President Donald Trump, Politico reported.

Citing an administration source, the outlet reported the Biden administration has scrapped plans to feature a new red, white and dark blue paint design on the Boeing planes currently in production — which will one day fly as the new Air Force One.

TPG reached out to the White House and U.S. Air Force to confirm the administration’s plans to scrap the design modifications. We did not hear back by the time of publication.

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The administration reportedly learned the new paint job could potentially cause overheating on the new planes. The updated design would have included dark blue paint on the plane's underbelly and engines; this would require additional modifications to avoid excessive temperatures, according to the Politico report. Since the modifications could increase the cost, the current administration decided against the plan.

The White House has not confirmed what colors it now plans to use in the design of the new Air Force One aircraft. It appears likely the administration could revert to the iconic light blue and white livery that’s recognized around the world as Air Force One.

The Air Force awarded the contract for the new planes to Boeing in 2018, and costs are estimated at $3.9 billion. The contract called for two new 747-8 jets to replace the current 747-200B aircraft that have carried presidents since the 1990s.

Dubbed by Boeing a “flying Oval Office,” the current Air Force One models include 4,000 square feet of interior floor space. This space includes a conference and dining room, quarters for the president and first lady, and office space for White House staff. Additionally, there are rest areas and galleys that can provide meals for 100 people at one time. The planes also have air refueling capability.

The new 747-8 is the fastest commercial jet in the world, according to Boeing. The planes would give the president the ability to fly from Washington, D.C., to Hong Kong nonstop without refueling — 1,000 miles farther than the current Air Force One jets. The new planes’ maximum takeoff weight would also be about 18% higher than the current planes.

It's not clear when the new Air Force One aircraft might be ready. However, a report out this month from the U.S. Government Accountability Office detailed delays in the production of the new jets caused by a variety of factors, including supplier and workforce issues. The report said the new planes may not be ready by the time the current Air Force One planes are slated for retirement, currently in 2025.