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.
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4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® Points at Restaurants, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S. |
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Why We Chose It
There's a lot to love about the Amex Gold card. It's been a fan favorite during the pandemic because of its fantastic rewards rate on restaurants (that includes takeout and delivery in the U.S.!) and U.S. supermarkets. If you're hitting the skies soon, you'll also earn bonus points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders) and up to $120 in annual dining statement credits at eligible partners, there's no reason that the foodie shouldn't add this card to their wallet. Enrollment required.Pros
- 4x on dining at restaurants and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1x)
- 3x on flights booked directly with the airline or with Amex Travel
- Welcome bonus of 60,000 points after spending $4,000 in the first six months
Cons
- Weak on travel outside of flights and everyday spending bonus categories
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber/food credits
- Few travel perks and protections
- Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $4,000 on eligible purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® Points at Restaurants, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S., and earn 4X Membership Rewards® points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1X).
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and each month automatically get $10 in Uber Cash for Uber Eats orders or Uber rides in the U.S., totaling up to $120 per year.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings and earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, Milk Bar and select Shake Shack locations. Enrollment required.
- Choose the color that suits your style. Gold or Rose Gold.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $250.
- Terms Apply.
- See Rates & Fees