Priya Kapoor
Airlines use different paint schemes on their aircraft for various reasons, including corrosion prevention, marketing, and advertising. For example, Bangkok Airways uses wild colours on its Airbus A320 aircraft to depict the exotic locations that its flights travel to. Air New Zealand has used all-black liveries to support New Zealand's national rugby team, and in 2002, it unveiled a Lord of the Rings promotional livery, as many of the airline's flights travelled over the landscapes used for Middle Earth. Aircraft owners can also opt for commemorative paint jobs, and the city, team, or organization may share the cost. When identifying an airline by its paint scheme, it is essential to consider that airlines may change their paint schemes over time, and different models of aircraft within the same airline may have different paint schemes.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of colors | More colors make the plane eye-catching but increase the cost and future maintenance of the plane. |
| Paint weight | Paint adds weight to the plane. |
| Paint cost | The cost of commemorative paint may be shared by the airline and the commemorated city, team, or organization. |
| Paint maintenance | Painted planes require less maintenance than polished planes, which must be maintained roughly three times a year to prevent corrosion. |
| Paint inspiration | Airlines may take inspiration from the locations they fly to, popular media franchises, or humorous marketing techniques. |
| Paint colors | Blue, yellow, green, red, burgundy, black, white, purple, grey, teal, orange, gold, etc. |
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What You'll Learn
- Airlines may choose to paint their aircraft to prevent corrosion or for promotional reasons
- The number of colours used in a paint scheme can affect the cost of painting and future maintenance
- Paint adds weight to an aircraft, so some airlines opt for a polished look instead
- Airlines may use commemorative paint to advertise or promote a city, team or organisation
- Some airlines are known for their creative paint schemes, such as Kulula's Flying 101 and Bangkok Airways' exotic destinations
Airlines may choose to paint their aircraft to prevent corrosion or for promotional reasons
Airlines may choose to paint their aircraft for a variety of reasons, including corrosion prevention and promotional purposes.
Corrosion Prevention
Aircraft, like any metal object, are inherently prone to corrosion. Corrosion can occur due to exposure to oxygen, moisture, humidity, sea water, air pollution, extreme temperatures, and other environmental factors. Painting an aircraft helps to delay corrosion by acting as a protective barrier between the metal surface and the elements. However, it is important to regularly inspect and repaint aircraft to prevent corrosion, as paint can crack, blister, or bubble, allowing corrosion to form underneath.
Promotional Reasons
Airlines may also use paint schemes on their aircraft for promotional or marketing purposes. For example, Kulula, a "no-frills" airline, developed its "Flying 101" paint scheme with instructional arrows pointing to different parts of the aircraft, such as "the big cheese" (the captain's seat) and "boot space." The paint scheme was designed to answer common passenger questions about flying in a fun and engaging way. Another example is Bangkok Airways, which has five Airbus A320 aircraft decorated with vibrant colors and designs depicting the exotic locations the airline flies to. This paint scheme helped the airline earn a spot on Skift's list of the Top 20 Most Colorful Airlines in the World in 2013.
In addition to creative paint schemes, airlines may also use specific colors or liveries to promote brands or franchises. For instance, Al-Nippon Airways (ANA) unveiled several Pokemon-themed jets, including Boeing 747 and 767 aircraft, after the release of the first Pokemon movie in 1998. On board, flight attendants even wore Pokemon aprons and served juice in Pokemon cups, creating a fully immersive experience for fans.
Paint Schemes and Color Choices
When choosing paint schemes and colors, airlines consider not only promotional opportunities but also the practical benefits of different paints. For example, pre-coat washes and primers provide corrosion protection, while proper care of topcoats through regular cleaning can enhance the appearance of the exterior paint. Additionally, specific paint colors may be chosen to match an airline's brand or logo colors, such as the blue and yellow hues used by British Airways or the teal adopted by Aer Lingus in 2019.
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The number of colours used in a paint scheme can affect the cost of painting and future maintenance
When it comes to identifying an airline by its paint scheme, the number of colours used can be a significant factor. While a colourful paint scheme can certainly make an airline more recognisable, it's important to consider the potential impact on costs and maintenance.
The number of colours in a paint scheme can indeed affect the cost of painting. When more colours are introduced, the time and resources required for taping, prepping, and ensuring clean lines between different shades increase. This additional labour can drive up the overall cost of the painting project. Furthermore, dramatic colour changes may necessitate more coats of paint, further adding to the expense.
Specialised paints, such as those with anti-fungal or weather-resistant properties, also contribute to the cost. If specific colours or effects are desired, such as textured finishes or murals, the need for additional artistry and materials can further increase the price tag.
The impact of colour choices extends beyond the initial painting process. Maintenance costs should also be considered. Opting for higher-quality paints may cost more upfront, but they can provide better protection against corrosion, weathering, and other environmental factors, reducing the need for frequent repainting and lowering long-term maintenance expenses.
Additionally, the size and scope of the project play a role in the overall cost. Painting larger surfaces or multiple buildings will inevitably require more paint and labour, increasing the total price. Accessing certain areas may require specialised equipment like scaffolding or work platforms, which also adds to the cost.
By understanding these factors, airlines and painting contractors can make informed decisions about colour choices, balancing the desire for visually appealing and recognisable paint schemes with the practical considerations of cost and maintenance.
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Paint adds weight to an aircraft, so some airlines opt for a polished look instead
Paint does indeed add weight to an aircraft, and this additional weight requires more fuel to operate the plane. This is why some airlines opt for a polished look instead of painting their aircraft. For instance, American Airlines switched from 'mica grey' to 'silver eagle' paint to save 62 lbs/28 kg.
The weight of paint is an important consideration for airlines, and some airlines have been known to specify different paints to reduce weight. For example, Bangkok Airways has five Airbus A320 aircraft with wild colours depicting exotic locations, and Al-Nippon Airways (ANA) has several Pokemon-themed jets. These creative paint jobs add personality and fun to the aircraft but also contribute to their overall weight.
The process of removing old paint before changing the look of a fleet is another factor that airlines consider when managing their planes' weight. Stripping off the existing paint can be a challenging and time-consuming task, requiring special equipment and techniques to ensure the surface is properly prepared for the new paint scheme.
While a polished look can reduce weight, some airlines choose to use paint to achieve a specific aesthetic or branding. For instance, Kulula, a "no-frills" airline, developed its "Flying 101" paint scheme with instructional arrows pointing to different parts of the aircraft, adding a touch of humour and personality to the passenger experience.
In conclusion, while paint adds weight to aircraft, the decision to paint or polish depends on various factors, including an airline's branding, cost considerations, and the desired level of customisation and creativity. Some airlines may opt for a polished look to reduce weight and fuel consumption, while others may embrace the added weight of paint to showcase their unique identity.
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Airlines may use commemorative paint to advertise or promote a city, team or organisation
Airlines may use commemorative paint to advertise or promote a city, team, or organisation. For example, JetBlue has several aircraft painted with commemorative colours, while other airlines have none. Bangkok Airways has five Airbus A320 aircraft decorated with vibrant colours representing the exotic destinations the airline flies to. Qantas also features artwork honouring Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians on its Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner.
In some cases, airlines may collaborate with cities, teams, or organisations to share the cost of commemorative paint on an aircraft. This can be an effective advertising strategy, as it allows the airline to promote a specific location, event, or group. For instance, Al-Nippon Airways (ANA) unveiled two Pokemon-themed jets, a Boeing 747 and 767, after the release of the first Pokemon movie. To date, there are at least seven Pokemon-themed ANA jets.
Airlines may also use commemorative paint to honour significant individuals or milestones. For instance, Air France launched a new airline called "Joon" in December 2017, aimed at serving millennials with digital lifestyles. Similarly, Dutch carrier KLM retired the last Fokker aircraft in its Cityhopper fleet and applied a special livery featuring aviation pioneer and airplane manufacturer Anthony Fokker's portrait.
Some airlines choose to use humorous or creative paint schemes to entertain or engage their passengers. Kulula, a "no-frills" airline, developed its "Flying 101" paint scheme, which includes instructional arrows pointing to different parts of the aircraft, such as "the big cheese" (the captain's seat) and "boot space." These lighthearted approaches to aircraft livery can enhance the passenger experience and create a unique brand identity for the airline.
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Some airlines are known for their creative paint schemes, such as Kulula's Flying 101 and Bangkok Airways' exotic destinations
In addition to the "Flying 101" design, Kulula has introduced other creative paint jobs, such as a camouflage design with the phrase "no one saw us coming" and the "This Way Up" 737-800 paint scheme, which features arrows pointing up, resembling fragile packages delivered by the postman. These unique designs have made Kulula's aircraft liveries famous worldwide.
Bangkok Airways, on the other hand, has gained recognition for its exotic paint schemes. The airline was named one of the Top 20 Most Colorful Airlines in the World by Skift in October 2013. Bangkok Airways' five Airbus A320 aircraft feature wild colours and designs that depict the exotic locations that the airline services. This creative approach to paint schemes adds a unique touch to the travel experience, offering passengers a visual taste of the exciting destinations they are about to explore.
These examples from Kulula and Bangkok Airways showcase how airlines can utilise creative paint schemes to stand out and create a memorable brand identity. By incorporating humour, instructional elements, or exotic designs, these airlines have successfully differentiated themselves in the competitive world of aviation and left a lasting impression on travellers.
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Frequently asked questions
Airline paint schemes are often used for marketing and can be used to commemorate a city, sports team, or organization. For example, Air New Zealand has used an all-black livery to support the country's rugby team, and Al-Nippon Airways (ANA) has unveiled several Pokemon-themed jets. Airlines may also use paint schemes to depict the exotic locations they fly to, such as Bangkok Airways' Airbus A320 aircraft.
Here are some examples of airline paint schemes and their respective airlines:
- Teal colour on the tail and engines: Aer Lingus
- Green and Blue: S7 Airlines (Siberia Airlines)
- Bright Aluminium and Bright Gray: Aeroflot
- Yellow and Blue: Lufthansa
Yes, paint schemes can also serve functional purposes. Paint can help prevent corrosion on aircraft, especially those made of composite materials such as carbon fiber, fiberglass, and kevlar. Additionally, paint can add weight to an airplane, which can be beneficial for flight performance.
While paint schemes offer creative opportunities for airlines, they also come with certain drawbacks. Painted liveries typically have a greater environmental impact than polished aircraft. Additionally, the added paint weight on an airplane can increase fuel costs. Furthermore, maintaining multiple paint colours on an aircraft can be costly, and repainting an aircraft can be expensive, especially for commemorative designs.
