Throughout the years, airlines across the globe have come up with unique as well as bold liveries. Although the latest trend of the ‘euro white’ liveries is quite in, everyone has been treated through some incredible designs and out-of-the-box looks.
In case travelers are curious to know the best airline livery, there are some iconic designs on aircraft to explore. These have been featured by top carriers across the world like Southwest, Qantas, KLM, and others. The distinctiveness of these designs has added to the travel experiences of fliers.
9 Best Airline Liveries to Explore
There are nearly 9 airlines that have displayed amusing ideas through aircraft liveries. From Southwest to Qatar Airways, the best airline livery on aircraft is there for travelers to see. Each of these honors a unique theme. Here is a list of airlines with unique aircraft liveries to see.
1. Southwest Airlines
The livery of Southwest can be considered iconic because it is one of the oldest air operators in the world. In addition to this, it is also regarded as one of the actual founders of the ‘low-cost carrier’ model. Despite this, it makes travel memorable with a focus on hues like canyon blue and desert gold.
2. American Airlines
When it comes to the most successful livery designs, American Airlines is a clear winner. The unique concepts are considered the best ever.
Previously, the airline had fully painted aircraft but due to increased maintenance and other costs, it decided to take this concept back. Even after this, the liveries of American Airlines have captured thousands of eyeballs due to exceptional colors and designs. Usually, it prefers blue, red, and white to feature simple yet eye-catching designs.
3. Qantas Airlines
The livery of Qantas is quite ingenious. It reflects great artistic skills and uniqueness. Due to its originality and creative aspects, this airline is an outstanding contender to be listed here for having one of the best aircraft livery designs and concepts.
One of the liveries on the Airbus aircraft of Qantas was designed by Balarinji for Minyma Kutjara Tjukurpa. It was painted in Mirabel’s Canada. This design was completed in nearly 2 weeks and was inclusive of 20,000+ dots.
4. KLM
It may not excite many aviators but KLM’s livery is a perfect example of retro designs. It is among the greatest and most iconic liveries that have ever existed. KLM has a blue spotted tail that has a double-tone design. The beautiful color combination and retro appeal make it eye-catching.
5. United Airlines
Notably, United Airlines has a reputation for keeping iconic liveries since its inception. This is why it has been listed at this spot. This is an airline that is counted among the top-rated carriers due to its services and amenities as well as the coolest plane liveries.
- During the 1950s, this airline featured white and blue wedge liveries.
- In 1972, it switched to the “Friend Ship” livery. The design also included 4 stars.
- New color themes were introduced afterward for McDonnell Douglas DC-10-30.
- In 1993, the airline adopted gray color liveries, featuring the theme “Battleship Gray”.
- For its new fleet, United has adopted special liveries.
6. Trans World Airlines (TWA)
Even though Trans World Airlines (TWA) is now owned by American Airlines, it cannot take away the beauty of the special liveries of its planes. Before this, it was a popular name in the industry, serving domestic places within and outside the US.
Just like its name, the liveries were equally appreciated. The liveries of this carrier revolved around the scheme of Transcontinental and Western carriers. Initially, metallic colors were preferred by the airline. Gradually, white and red were used for the distinctive designs.
7. British Airways
The livery design of this carrier, British Airways, is truly unique. This is something that has not been done by any other airline. The colors and special designs placed on the fleet celebrate the country’s majestic charm. Some of its popular liveries include ‘Chatham Dockyard’ and ‘Landor’. In the latter theme, the blue tail was the main attraction.
8. Delta Air Lines
As is known, Delta is an old carrier, operating within the United States and outside. Being popular and old, this airline sticks to having retro designs for its liveries. When checked closely, travelers will see that the designs never try to be excessively fancy. Instead, it prefers to keep airplane liveries sober yet retro. This is why no other design is even close to its concept.
9. Qatar Airways
In order to have the perfect livery colors and designs, everyone should see the iconic and retro themes of Qatar Airways. These liveries are just a fine blend of retro and modern designs.
- From 1993-1997, the aircraft livery of Qatar Airways had 2 thin strips, abstractly representing a white Oryx.
- Until 2006, linear horizontal lines were added to new livery designs.
- From 2006 onward, the liveries were made classier, and more focus was laid on branding.
Since the livery of an airline’s tailfin is more like an ambassador, it should be unique and distinctive. When eyeing the best airline liveries, one will observe the representation of the same combined with the vision of different carriers. In this regard, the airplane designs of Qatar, Delta, and others are notable.
