United has unveiled a new specialty “Stars and Stripes” livery that celebrates the nation’s 250th anniversary and announced a milestone to the airline’s United’s Military Pilot Programme, an initiative that provides currently serving active-duty U.S. military pilots access to a conditional job offer as a First Officer with the airline much earlier than they were previously afforded.
Since 2024, nearly 600 military pilots have transitioned to United through the programme, with 500 more expected by the end of 2027. United has over 18,000 pilots, including more than 4,500 who are veterans.
United painted two aircraft with the 250th Anniversary Livery
To celebrate America’s 250th anniversary, United’s new specialty livery takes to the skies this summer on a U.S.-built Boeing 787-10 and Boeing 737-800. Painted in Amarillo, Texas, the bold red, white and blue design features 50 stars representing states across the country, while diagonal red and white stripes reflect the energy and momentum of a nation always moving forward.
Both aircraft will include a commemorative plaque dedicated to United’s active-duty service members and veterans who have selflessly served the U.S.
U.S. Secretary of Transportation Sean P. Duffy and United CEO Scott Kirby were joined by United employees, including those from United’s Veterans’ Business Resource Group, and local dignitaries at Washington Dulles International Airport to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary and the airline’s pilot hiring milestone.
“We’re proud to play a role in celebrating our nation’s 250th anniversary,” said United CEO Scott Kirby. “For 100 years of that history, United has been a pioneering U.S. company, investing in people and communities across the country. Today, we proudly employ more than 8,300 military veterans, of which 1,500 are active members of the National Guard and Reserve forces. Our ‘Stars and Stripes’ livery pays tribute to their service to our country that continues to make America strong.”
United’s Support of Military and Veterans
United supports service members, veterans and military families through hiring programmes, employee engagement and military-focused organisations in communities across the United States. In addition to the United’s Military Pilot Programme, United has other programmes to support veterans.
United for Veterans is United’s business resource group for employees who are military veterans, service members and their supporters, including more than 5,300 members and supports the company’s efforts to recruit, develop and retain veteran talent across the airline.
United also supports organisations serving veterans, service members and their families through flight support for veterans to visit memorial sites in the nation’s capital and around the world, career mentorship, volunteerism and other in-kind contributions.
