How much attention do you pay to the airplanes you travel in? The factors we all most commonly consider important include technological innovations, flight attendant fashion, and passenger comfort. However, more goes into the aesthetics of an airplane than we think, or even usually notice.
The branding of the aircraft is essential. Everything matters – from the logo to the graphics on the website and even the exterior airplane art. Although the goal is for the design to be easily recognizable so that passengers can match the plane with the brand. However, many planes choose a specific design theme to show off cultural heritage or corporate personality. Here are some of the coolest designs in the sky.
Air New Zealand
In 2011, Air New Zealand painted an Airbus A320 all black to support the country’s national rugby team – the All Blacks. Since then, the company has painted four other planes black.
Eva Air
The Taiwanese airline partnered with Sanrio, the company behind the famous Hello Kitty, to cover the plane with its popular characters. Aside from the adorable Hello Kitty airplane art designer, the passengers that are on board also get Hello Kitty-themed boarding passes, pillows, snacks, napkins, utensils, air fresheners, and more.
Brussels Airlines
Belgium takes great pride in both large and small cultural achievements, and that includes aboard their flights, too. They serve Belgian chocolate and beer to passengers on board. They also have the crew wear uniforms made by Belgian designers. The exterior of the planes has the country’s most iconic characters on them, the Smurfs. The plane is called Aerosmurf, and it has 19 characters on it – Smurfette is the captain, and Papa Smurf is her co-pilot.
Icelandair
A flying advertisement was the goal for Iceland’s flag carrier when it decided to paint the exterior with vibrant shades of green, blue, and yellow to represent the northern lights. They named it Hekla Aurora, a combination of a traditional Icelandic girl’s name and Aurora Borealis, the Northern Lights.
All Nippon Airways
In April of 2015, the Japanese airline signed a 5-year licensing contract with Disney, and the force has been with them ever since. The airplane art that they have flying in the sky includes Star Wars, R2-D2, BB-8, and C-3PO.