Beyond the Basic: 20+ Stunning Airline Liveries
Airlines use their liveries like a giant artwork, telling stories and reflecting their brand identity. But sometimes, they go above and beyond with special designs that turn heads on the tarmac and spark conversations among aviation enthusiasts. Check out this collection of eye-catching designs that took to the skies.
More Than Just a Livery, A Call to Action
Hi Fly's Airbus A330-200 soars above the clouds as more than just another pretty aircraft. It's a powerful statement writ large across the sky, urging the world to "Turn the Tide on Plastic" – a fight against the pollution choking our oceans. This design is the result of a collaboration with the Mirpuri Foundation, a non-profit organisation founded by Hi Fly's president, Paulo Mirpuri.
Dedicated to ocean health, the Mirpuri Foundation tirelessly raises awareness about the threats our oceans face. Their mission extends beyond raising awareness – they fund research initiatives, support ocean clean-up projects, and advocate for stricter regulations on plastic use.
The aircraft itself is a powerful symbol of this fight. One side of the Airbus A330 is painted a dark blue, a stark representation of the alarming reality of plastic pollution. The other side gleams in a bright, clean blue, symbolising the healthy oceans we strive to achieve. This powerful visual contrast is a stark reminder: the choices we make today can have a huge impact on the future of our oceans.
Flock of Feathered Friends
Nok Air, Thailand's budget airline, isn't like the average carrier. Instead of the usual bland white and blue liveries, Nok Air takes a playful approach, transforming their fleet into a vibrant flock of birds. Each aircraft boasts a unique bird-themed livery, complete with a catchy name. From the cheerful “Smiling Nok" to the optimistic “Good Nok”.
Launched in 2004, this unique concept was an instant hit with passengers. The public loved the unique designs, and social media was flooded with photos featuring these cheerful aircraft. Nok Air's playful approach not only differentiated them from the competition but also resonated with travellers seeking a more light-hearted flying experience.
A Glimpse of the Northern Lights
Ever dreamed of witnessing the Aurora Borealis? Icelandair can take you there – virtually, at least. Their “Hekla Aurora” livery on a Boeing 757-200 depicts the mesmerising Northern Lights, a fitting tribute to this natural phenomenon. ‘Hekla’ is a traditional Icelandic girl’s name and also the name of one of our better-known volcanoes. ‘Aurora’ is a reference to the northern lights.
Imagine looking out your window and seeing the dancing green and purple lights reflected on the aircraft's fuselage – it's a reminder of the wonders that await exploration beyond your destination.
The Goal in the Sky
Airlines and other brands often team up for special liveries, creating a win-win for both. Take Emirates, for example. Their Airbus A380 featuring Arsenal Football Club players was a touchdown for fans, uniting their love of the sport with their chosen airline.
The timing of the A380's big reveal couldn't have been better. It coincided with a crucial period for Arsenal – their trip to Dubai to play a friendly match and inaugurate the brand-new Al Maktoum Stadium on March 26th, 2019.
A Galaxy Far, Far Away...At Cruising Altitude
Japan's ANA (All Nippon Airways) lets you experience the thrill of space travel without leaving the airfield. They're not afraid to show their love for the Star Wars universe, decorating their fleet with not just one, but three incredible Star Wars liveries!
A plane customised with droid – R2-D2, BB-8, or C-3PO is sufficient to make any Star Wars fan feel like a real-life rebel about to embark on an intergalactic adventure. ANA's commitment goes beyond a single aircraft. Their Boeing 777-300ER, sporting a stunning Star Wars theme since 2016, has been a fan favourite for years.
Whether you're a die-hard Jedi Master or a casual moviegoer, ANA's intergalactic designs are sure to spark conversation and ignite your imagination. So next time you're flying with ANA, keep your eyes peeled – you might just find yourself boarding a starship to a galaxy far, far away!
May the Force Be With You on Your Next Flight
Speaking of Star Wars, United Airlines also joined forces in an epic collaboration to celebrate the final chapter of the Skywalker saga! Their Boeing 737-800 transformed into a real-life starship, complete with a special Star Wars paint scheme and themed onboard experience.
Passengers were transported to a galaxy far, far away right from the boarding gate, with themed amenity kits and even a safety video featuring characters from the film. This out-of-this-world partnership went beyond just a cool plane. The airline's MileagePlus members could even use their points to score exclusive experiences, making this collaboration a true win for Star Wars fans and frequent flyers alike.
Your Ticket to Middle-earth
Air New Zealand took the magic a step further with their commitment to the "Hobbit" and "Lord of the Rings" films. In 2012, the airline unveiled its first "Hobbit" themed Boeing 777-300. It was an invitation to adventure. The aircraft, operating on the Auckland-Los Angeles-London Heathrow route, showcased the beauty of New Zealand, a land forever linked to J.R.R. Tolkien's fantastical world.
A year later, Air New Zealand raised the bar once again. For the premiere of “The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug,” they unveiled a truly awe-inspiring design. The centrepiece was a magnificent 54-meter-long image of the dragon Smaug himself, sprawled across both sides of the Boeing 777-300. This special livery wasn't just a marketing ploy; it was a way to celebrate the film and the enduring magic of Middle-earth.
Gotta Catch 'Em All, Even in the Sky
ANA makes another appearance on our list, this time for their dedication to Pokémon. The Japanese carrier has a long history of embracing pop culture. From 1998 to 2013, they surprised and delighted passengers with a fleet of ten Boeing 747s featuring everyone's favourite pocket monsters – Pokémon! Imagine boarding a plane with Pikachu staring back at you – a sure fire way to capture the hearts (and imaginations) of travellers, young and old.
Soar with the Amur Tiger
Airlines can even get wild with their designs. Take Rossiya Airlines, for example. Forget run-of-the-mill liveries – their Boeing 747-400 transforms into a majestic carrier, featuring a powerful Amur tiger painted right on the nose cone.
This isn't just a cool design choice; it's a powerful symbol of the natural world. Rossiya Airlines uses its aircraft as a flying billboard, reminding passengers of the beauty and diversity of the animal kingdom, especially the endangered Amur tiger.
McPlane Takes-Off
In 1996, a Crossair McDonnell Douglas MD-83 underwent a whimsical transformation. The entire aircraft became a giant, flying McDonald's advertisement, dubbed the "McPlane." This design appeared in the skies from 1996 to 2000.
The partnership between Crossair, a regional Swiss airline, and McDonald's was a strategic marketing move. The aircraft primarily served leisure routes, targeting families travelling for vacations. Inside the aircraft, the standard seats were replaced with bright red ones, and even the headrests featured the McDonald's "M" logo. While in-flight meals weren't transformed into Happy Meals, the light-hearted atmosphere undoubtedly added a touch of whimsy to the travel experience.
Shaving High with Style
Marketing partnerships in the airline industry go back further than you might think! Take a trip back to the early 2000s, when Virgin Australia (then known as Virgin Blue) took to the skies with a Boeing 737-800 that was anything but ordinary. This aircraft wasn't just a mode of transportation; it was a flying billboard, a result of a clever collaboration with American safety razor brand Gillette.
Aptly named the "Close Shave" livery (2002-2006) showcased a giant razor blade across the fuselage, a playful nod to Gillette's Mach3 product line. The partnership with safety razor brand Gillette was a strategic move that resonated with Virgin Blue's target audience. The airline was known for its youthful and trendy image, and the "Close Shave" livery perfectly embodied that spirit.
Whale of a Time
Southwest Airlines has always been known for its playful spirit, and their Boeing 737-700 "Shamu" livery (2005-2015) took that spirit to new heights – or rather, new depths! This giant whale design, was created to promote Orlando's SeaWorld theme park.
It was a full-body transformation. The aircraft sported a black and white paint scheme mimicking Shamu, SeaWorld's iconic whale. The playful design even included Shamu's signature "smile" on the nose and a giant splash on the tail, ensuring the aircraft turned heads wherever it flew.
Camouflage in the Clouds
While the exact reasons behind the "camoplane" remain unknown, one thing is certain: it was a bold move that captured the public's imagination.
Dubbed the "camoplane," this Kulula.com Boeing 737-400 (ZS-OAF, c/n 25116) stood out for its unique green camouflage design with the cheeky motto 'No One Saw Us Coming', making it a real head-turner on the tarmac. It helped Kulula.com differentiate itself from their competitors and establish a more memorable brand image, particularly among younger travellers. The camouflage livery perfectly embodied that spirit, showcasing the airline's willingness to break away from tradition and embrace a bit of fun.
Mickey Takes Flight
Disney and airlines have a long and storied history of collaborations, bringing a touch of magic to the skies for passengers of all ages. Back in 2002, Alaska Airlines joined the fun with a special Boeing 737-400 livery featuring none other than the iconic Mickey Mouse. It took 68 Disney artists and 15 days to paint their first Disney-themed plane, the ‘Spirit of Disneyland I’. A flying billboard promoted a Disneyland advertising campaign. For over a decade, this aircraft soared through the clouds, sparking excitement and a sense of adventure for passengers, young and old alike.
In 2009, they unveiled their “Spirit of Disneyland® II” Boeing 737-900. Imagine the delight on young faces as they boarded this magical aircraft, adorned with everyone's favourite Disney pals – Mickey and Minnie Mouse, Pluto, Goofy, and Donald Duck.
Let It Go with Frozen Fantasy
WestJet also collaborated with Disney to create a stunning “Frozen” design on a Boeing 737-800. This glittering aircraft featured snow queen Elsa, the film’s main character, shooting frosty flakes from her fingertips, with red-haired sister Anna smiling over her shoulder. Toward the front of the plane, the livery turns from winter to summer, with Olaf, everyone’s favourite snowman, lounging on the beach with a bottle of sunscreen, beach ball and a Magic Kingdom-like sand castle at his side. characters like Elsa and Anna. It took a dedicated team 21 days to complete this project of love, ensuring every detail captured the essence of the beloved film.
The "Frozen" WestJet aircraft serves as a reminder that even a routine flight can be transformed into an unforgettable experience with a touch of Disney magic.
Flight with Formula 1
Airline liveries aren't always about family fun! Sometimes, they celebrate a shared passion. Etihad Airways, a major sponsor of Formula 1 racing and the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, proudly displayed its love for the sport with a special livery on an Airbus A340.
It was a design guaranteed to "rev the engines" of any racing fan who spotted it on the tarmac. The roaring F1 car emblazoned on the side of the aircraft was a powerful symbol of speed, precision, and the excitement of the sport. This special livery showcased the perfect marriage of high-octane racing and luxury travel, a testament to Etihad Airways' commitment to both.
New Mexico One Takes You There
Southwest Airlines is known for its state pride, reflected in its fleet's colourful liveries. Take their "New Mexico One" Boeing 737-700, for example. Unveiled in 2000, it features a beautiful depiction of the state's official flag, anchored by the ancient symbol of the Zia Pueblo Indians. This design is a celebration of New Mexico's rich culture and heritage, giving passengers a taste of the destination before they even land.
A “Best of Belgium” Tour in the Sky
The Brussels Airlines "Best of Belgium" series was intended as a celebration of Belgian culture, heritage, and creativity. It showcased the power of airline liveries to go beyond aesthetics and become flying ambassadors for a country and its people.
One aircraft transformed into a living comic book page, adorned with the iconic redhead himself, Tintin, his loyal canine companion Snowy, and Captain Haddock. This playful design was a delightful nod to Hergé's timeless creation, a beloved symbol of Belgian pop culture recognized around the world.
Another aircraft embarked on a mind-bending journey, showcasing the work of the renowned Belgian artist René Magritte. Imagine boarding a plane adorned with his iconic bowler hat or the image of a blue sky replacing an apple! These surreal elements sparked conversation and ignited imaginations, perfectly capturing the essence of Magritte's work.
Who could resist a plane plastered with the cheerful blue faces of the Smurfs? This playful design, featuring the beloved characters created by Peyo, was a sure-fire way to bring a smile to the faces of passengers of all ages. It showcased the enduring popularity of these little blue creatures and their enduring connection to Belgium.
For those seeking a taste of electronic music culture, Brussels Airlines partnered with the world-famous Tomorrowland Music Festival for a truly unique livery. This aircraft pulsed with vibrant colours and futuristic design elements, transporting passengers to the heart of the festival experience even before they reached their destination.
And for football fans, there was a special treat. One aircraft donned the colours of the Belgian national football team, the Red Devils. This design wasn't just about national pride; it was a way to unite fans and celebrate the team's achievements on a global stage.
Flying Fun with Flying 101
Sometimes, liveries can be educational too. South Africa's Kulula makes another appearance on our list. The low-cost carrier took things to new heights with their special “Flying 101” livery, launched in 2013. It was a giant, educational billboard soaring through the skies.
The entire aircraft became a giant diagram, with clear and humorous labels explaining the functions of various aeroplane parts – from the wings and engines to the landing gear and the cockpit. Imagine boarding a plane where the “galley” (kitchen) and “emergency exits” are marked – a welcome sight for any nervous flyer!
Taking Cuteness to New Heights
Taiwan's EVA Air partnered with Sanrio to create a fleet of seven Hello Kitty-themed jets. These adorable aircraft weren't just decorated on the outside – the Hello Kitty experience continued inside the cabin with specially designed headrests and even Hello Kitty-shaped meals! It's a reminder that airline liveries can extend beyond the exterior, creating a truly immersive travel experience for passengers of all ages.
Supersonic Soft Drinks
We end with a true blast from the past. In the 1990s, facing stiff competition, Pepsi launched "Project Blue" to revamp its image. As part of this audacious campaign, they partnered with Air France to create a flying billboard – a Concorde jet transformed into a giant Pepsi bottle.
This wasn't a mere sticker job. Pepsi secured a deal to paint a whole Concorde, the supersonic marvel "Sierra Delta" (F-BTSD). Air France's Paris Orly facility saw a complete makeover of the aircraft in March 1996. The white fuselage became a canvas for Pepsi's iconic blue and red, a sight to behold anywhere it flew.
The Pepsi Concorde was a marketing triumph, a symbol of out-of-the-box thinking. It wasn't just selling soda; it was about grabbing attention and showcasing Pepsi's bold new direction. Though its flight time was brief (two weeks), the Pepsi Concorde's legacy as a marketing marvel lives on.
Final Point
These are just a few examples of the incredible airline liveries that have graced the skies over the years. Each one tells a story, reflects a brand identity, and sparks the imagination of travellers worldwide. What was your favourite eye-catching airline livery from the past?
