One of the United States Air Force’s modified Boeing 757-200 aircraft, known as the C-32, has emerged in a striking new livery. This design marks a notable shift from the long-standing light blue color scheme traditionally used on American executive transports. The refreshed appearance features a dark blue belly, accented by red and gold stripes, along with a distinctive depiction of the US flag in a flowing ‘mid-wave’ style on the tail.
The decision to repaint the C-32 reflects broader changes in US military aviation. Executive aircraft have maintained the light blue paint scheme since the presidency of John F. Kennedy. Former President Donald Trump originally proposed a new design during his first term, which was later abandoned under President Joe Biden. With Trump back in office, he has revived plans for a new paint scheme aimed at modernizing the fleet.
Details of the New Livery
The updated livery for the C-32 aligns closely with Trump’s initial proposal for the Boeing VC-25B, a modified 747-8 set to replace the aging VC-25A as ‘Air Force One.’ The new scheme features a dark blue belly, a red cheatline, and the US flag on the tail. Notably, the flag’s design diverges from the original plan, opting for a flowing appearance rather than a solid rectangle. This wave-like design has drawn parallels to the flag displayed on Trump’s personal aircraft, a Boeing 757.
According to The War Zone, the repainting occurred at Majors Airport in Greenville, Texas. A spokesperson for the United States Air Force confirmed that this new paint scheme will also be applied to other aircraft in the executive airlift fleet, including the new VC-25B and four additional C-32s. The Air Force’s announcement emphasized a new requirement for red, white, gold, and dark blue colors across its executive aircraft.
Public Reaction and Historical Context
The transition from the traditional light blue paint scheme has sparked mixed opinions online. The light blue design had been in use for over 60 years, and many view the change as a significant departure from established norms. During his presidency, Biden opted to retain the previous scheme, viewing it as a symbol of continuity and tradition. The new livery, while embraced by some, has faced criticism, particularly regarding the US flag’s design on the tail.
Comments in online forums reflect this divide. Some users labelled the new flag design as “tacky,” likening it to clip art. Others have observed that the updated color scheme mirrors Trump’s personal aircraft but in reverse, suggesting a desire for the aircraft to reflect his personal branding rather than national identity. Critics have also described the new livery as “uninspired” when compared to the elegance of the previous blue design, drawing comparisons to historical airlines such as TWA and North American Airlines.
The C-32A, now sporting the new livery, is 27 years old and registered as 99-0003. Flight tracking data from Flightradar24 indicates it last operated on March 15, 2024, flying from Greenville to Atlanta. Its flight history over the past year has been limited, implying that maintenance work may have coincided with the repainting. The aircraft’s last international flight occurred nine months ago, when it traveled from Camp Springs to Rome via Brussels.
As the Air Force prepares for a fleet-wide change, the debate surrounding the new livery highlights the ongoing tension between tradition and modernity in US military aviation. The C-32’s transformation is a vivid reminder of the political and symbolic weight carried by the designs of aircraft that serve the nation’s leaders.
