Why are aeroplanes painted white?

Most aeroplanes are painted white for practical, economic, and safety reasons. White reflects sunlight, helping to keep the aircraft interior cooler on hot days and reducing heat absorption. The colour also makes cracks, corrosion, and other wear easier to spot, allowing for quicker maintenance. White is less prone to fading from UV exposure, minimising repainting costs, and its lighter weight improves fuel efficiency. Additionally, the high contrast between a white plane and the sky makes it more visible to birds, potentially avoiding collisions.
However,

Air New Zealand

defies this industry norm by painting some of its planes black, embracing New Zealand’s national colour. This bold design choice started in 2007 and has since become a tradition, with the airline even operating the largest black-painted commercial aircraft in the world. Here’s why Air New Zealand stands out.

Why are aeroplanes painted white?

Aeroplanes are typically painted white due to several practical and economic reasons:

White paint helps in temperature regulation and fuel efficiency

White paint is a practical choice for aircraft as it reflects sunlight, helping to keep the interior of the plane cooler on hot days when parked on the tarmac. This reflective quality minimises heat absorption, reducing the load on air-conditioning systems and leading to potential fuel savings. Additionally, white paint is generally lighter in weight than darker colours, which further enhances the plane’s fuel efficiency and lowers operational costs.

Enhanced safety and easier maintenance of white paint

One of the key advantages of white paint is that it makes any damage, like cracks or signs of corrosion, easier to spot. This visibility simplifies routine maintenance inspections and ensures that issues are identified and fixed quickly, supporting the safety and longevity of the aircraft. White paint also fades more slowly under high UV exposure at cruising altitudes, which reduces the need for frequent repainting and minimises ongoing maintenance costs.

Enhanced visibility and bird safety with white aircraft

A white aircraft is easier for birds to see against the blue sky, which can help reduce the risk of mid-air bird collisions, an issue that can sometimes pose a threat to flights. The high contrast between the white exterior and the surroundings provides an additional layer of visibility, contributing to both bird safety and flight safety.

Industry standard and material compatibility of white aeroplane

Since Air France introduced the “Euro white” livery in 1976, white has become the dominant colour for commercial aircraft worldwide. This trend is also supported by advancements in materials, with modern planes increasingly made of lightweight composites that pair well with white paint. The use of white is now an industry norm, bringing together practical benefits with material compatibility, making it the default choice for most airlines.

Why does Air New Zealand stand out with black aircraft?

Air New Zealand is a rare exception to the white-plane standard. In 2007, the airline unveiled a striking black-liveried Boeing 777 (ZK-OKH) to celebrate the Rugby World Cup in France, adopting an “All Black” look to reflect New Zealand’s national colour.
This bold move sparked a tradition for Air New Zealand, with the airline now ensuring that each type of aircraft in its fleet includes at least one model in the signature black-on-white livery. This choice honours New Zealand’s national identity, where black is a culturally iconic colour, symbolised by everything from sports jerseys to national pride.
In August 2022, Air New Zealand took this a step further by unveiling the A321neo ZK-OYB, the first completely black plane in the Star Alliance fleet. According to an airline spokesperson, the black paint does not impact the plane’s performance, handling, or fuel efficiency. “The primary role of paint is to protect the aircraft,” explained Michael Williams, Air New Zealand’s chief transformation and alliances officer. He added, “Black is an iconic Kiwi colour, embedded in New Zealand’s national identity and worn with pride.”
Notably, Air New Zealand’s Boeing 777-300ER holds the distinction of being the largest commercially operated black-painted aircraft in the world.
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