(Fwrd Axis) — The Biden administration will scrap plans to upgrade to Air Force One, proposed by former President Donald Trump that would change the iconic blue and gold design, a U.S. official said on Friday.
The plans were scrapped after it was determined the darker color scheme would create engine heat issues for the aircraft.
The Air Force said heating issues and cost were the two main determining factors.
“The red, white and blue paint scheme was one of many possible livery colors proposed for the VC-25B,” the Air Force spokesperson said. “Further analysis concluded darker colors, among other factors, on the underside of the VC-25B aircraft might contribute to temperatures exceeding the current qualification limits of a small number of components on the aircraft.”
Politico was the first to report the story of the plans being scrapped.
“The Trump paint scheme is not being considered because it could drive additional engineering, time, and cost,” the administration official said.
The Kennedy administration chose the current color scheme of blue and gold. Boeing CEO Dave Calhoun the company is currently in the process of getting a new plane design done.
“We continue to make steady progress on the VC-25B program while navigating through some challenges,” Boeing said in a statement. “It’s an honor to be entrusted with this responsibility and we take particular pride in this work. Our focus is on delivering two exceptional Air Force One airplanes for the country.”
