United unveils ‘Stars and Stripes’ livery for US’s 250th anniversary

United Airlines has unveiled a new “Stars and Stripes” special livery that will fly this summer on a Boeing 787-10 and Boeing 737-800 as part of the airline’s celebration of America’s 250th anniversary.

The red, white and blue design features 50 stars representing the states, with diagonal red and white stripes across the fuselage. United said both aircraft will also carry a commemorative plaque dedicated to the airline’s active-duty service members and veterans.

The aircraft were painted in Amarillo, Texas.

United announced the livery on June 15, 2026, during an event at Washington Dulles International Airport with US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, United CEO Scott Kirby, United employees and local officials.

The airline also used the event to mark a milestone in its United Military Pilot Program, which gives active-duty US military pilots access to a conditional job offer from United earlier than they previously could receive one.

United said nearly 600 military pilots have transitioned to the airline through the program since 2024. The carrier expects another 500 to join by the end of 2027.

The program is aimed at active-duty and active-reserve military pilots who are more than 12 months away from their date of availability to begin full-time employment with United and at least 12 months from separation. United said applicants do not need to hold an Airline Transport Pilot certificate at the time of application to receive a conditional job offer.

United currently has more than 18,000 pilots, including more than 4,500 veterans. The airline said it employs more than 8,300 military veterans overall, including 1,500 active members of the National Guard and Reserve forces.

“America is the greatest country in the world, and we’re proud to play a role in celebrating our nation’s 250th anniversary,” Kirby said. “For 100 years of that history, United has been a pioneering US company, investing in people and communities across the country.”

Duffy said the design would remind Americans of “the many freedoms we enjoy” as the country approaches its 250th birthday.

United’s announcement comes as several US airlines mark the country’s semiquincentennial with patriotic aircraft paint schemes. American Airlines announced in March 2026 that it would paint two aircraft in America250 liveries, while Southwest Airlines unveiled “Independence One” in April 2026.The post United unveils ‘Stars and Stripes’ livery for US’s 250th anniversary appeared first on AeroTime.

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