• Air Force One will be redesigned with a new color scheme including gold, red, and navy blue.
• Trump has advocated for changes to the aircraft's aesthetics since his first term.
• The new design will also be applied to additional jets used by high-level officials.
• A Boeing 747-8i donated by Qatar will become part of the presidential fleet.
• Expected costs for modifications to the new jets will be less than $400 million.

The US Air Force has announced that the iconic Air Force One will be painted with a new colour scheme featuring gold, deep red, and navy blue, as part of a makeover championed by President Donald Trump. This update comes as the fleet undergoes scheduled repairs and maintenance, with modifications also applying to a newly donated Boeing 747-8i from Qatar, intended for presidential use, according to BBC.

The proposed design marks a notable departure from the long-standing blue-and-white aesthetic established during President John F. Kennedy's era. Previously, Trump had suggested changes to the executive fleet's look, calling for the colors to reflect a more powerful image, as he remarked on preferring “power blue” over “baby blue.” The upgraded design aims to include a striking "red, white, gold and dark blue" color scheme, to also be used on other jets serving top government officials, according to South China Morning Post and India Times.

These changes are part of ongoing efforts to modernize not only Air Force One but also the secondary fleet typically used by officials like the vice president. The Air Force is currently modifying two Boeing 747-800 aircraft to replace the existing ageing fleet of 747-200s currently in service. The total costs related to security modifications for the new jets are expected to remain below $400 million, despite earlier concerns regarding delays that might arise from the updated color choices, as noted by BBC and India Times.