Paint Livery & Design

Ramp image has long been a driver of exterior paint designs for VIP and business jet aircraft. Much of this is driven by the jet’s ownership on how much or little of a statement they choose to make. Most prefer to go unnoticed with paparazzi sitting just of the edge of airports posting pictures on the Web. Some companies may use it as a marketing tool like Nike’s sneaker, Oakley’s camouflage or New Yorker’s jeans branding. Additionally, once unheard of using the corporate logo is now being seen on exteriors is a common sight today. This all depends on the company’s position, marketing strategy and in some cases aircraft and passenger security.

In addition to unique designs and logos is the use of national flags, unless required by regulatory authorities. This is dependent on the countries you operate in or fly into. We all know that N means US, but to the general public it means little unless a US flag is painted on the tail.

Complex designs and multi-color schemes raise the cost of painting an aircraft. Each additional color requires the shop to mask the aircraft and paint new colors that can add time in the painting process. There is also the consideration of metallic and multi-directional paints that change color from the viewing angle. The aircraft’s belly or upper can be painted a contrasting color. When considering painting the wings keep in mind that dark contrasting colors on the top of the wing will conduct heat and can affect fueling in hot weather conditions

Superjet Paint Concept

Most paint facilities can provide you with numerous design renderings in both 2D and 3D to assist in making your decision. If it is hard to visualize these, you can go as far as to have a desk-top mode of your aircraft painted in the new livery to confirm your decision. Spend enough time on the design phase as you may need, because you will live with your choice for a very long time.