NY Times: On the Exterior of Jetliners, a Parade of Plain Vanilla

[marmar]

[font size="1"]As domestic airlines have taken a more sober approach to the business of flying, fancy fuselages and lively paint jobs have faded away. The color of choice these days is white.[/font]

By JAD MOUAWAD
Published: December 23, 2011


Airplanes have become just as bland on the outside as they are on the inside.

After decades of frenzied competition and staggering losses, domestic airlines have taken a more sober approach to the business of flying, with their first priority simply making money. And so the fancy fuselages and lively paint jobs — remember TWA’s bold red lines? — have gone the way of free meals, pillows and checked bags.

The color of choice these days is sensible white. White does not fade as fast in the sun and requires fewer touchups. And without the added flash of color, less paint is needed, making planes lighter and saving fuel.

“There used to be romance in air travel,” said Steve Cone, a marketing expert who helped create the first frequent flier programs. “The airlines were run by dreamers, creative types and entrepreneurs. They’ve been replaced by penny pinchers who don’t think about the real estate outside of the plane.” ...............(more)

The complete piece is at: http://www.nytimes.com/2011/12/24/business/on-the-exterior-of-jetliners-a-parade-of-plain-vanilla.html?_r=1&hpw

[Cooley Hurd]

1. Top left is People's Express

My first "by myself" airlines. Loved the experience!