You’ve arrived at the airport, excited to head on your upcoming trip. You find airport security and realize that water isn’t allowed. You pass security, walk through the duty-free, and head to your terminal. From the window, you notice your beautiful plane ready to whisk you away to your destination. Wait. Why is it white? “The airline’s logo isn’t white, so why is their aircraft white?” you wonder to yourself.
While a small number of airlines opt for flashy colors or intricate designs, the vast majority of commercial aircraft sport a pristine and pretty basic white exterior. While airline logos are complicated works of art, the vast majority of planes just kinda look boring. The reason why airplanes are almost always painted white stems from several practical and economic factors that prioritize safety over aesthetics. Sure, your plane looks boring, but at least it’s getting you there safely.
White Paint Makes Repair Work Easy
When you’re flying, you obviously want to reach your destination safely. The color white does a whole lot to get you where you need to go in a safe manner. White paint reflects sunlight and solar radiation better than any other color. Why is this important? Well, the color white helps maintain optimal cabin temperature during flight and while parked on sunbaked tarmacs. A cool aircraft is a must to fly the plane safely!
This natural cooling effect reduces the energy needed for air conditioning and protects sensitive equipment from overheating or malfunctioning. Beyond keeping the cabin safe, the bright white color also makes an aircraft’s exterior issues easier to spot. Ground crews and pilots can spot potential issues like cracks or oil leaks more easily if the background of the aircraft is white. If a plane was painted black or green, it’d be difficult to spot issues that might not seem super obvious.
White Paint Can Be More Durable
Here’s a fun fact you probably didn’t know: white paint tends to be more durable than colored paint. Because it’s more durable, airlines who are cost-conscious obviously prefer it. Colored paint fades faster under constant exposure to UV rays and weather conditions at high altitudes. White paint, containing titanium dioxide, proves more resistant to fading and oxidation, requiring less frequent repainting. While we don’t know how much each airline pays to paint their planes, it’s fair to say that they’d want the safest and most cost-effective option! And safety is key, especially in an industry that’s heavily regulated.
Other Reasons Why Airplanes Are White
Birds present another consideration in aviation safety. Birds are likely to notice and avoid white aircraft, reducing the risk of dangerous bird strikes. The color also enhances visibility in various weather conditions, particularly during overcast days or in areas with frequent precipitation. Plus, during the pitch-black night sky, a white airplane really stands out.
Let’s also talk about money. From a business perspective, white aircraft hold higher resale value. Airlines frequently lease planes or sell them to other carriers, and white exteriors simplify the rebranding process. It’s a super neutral color that can be easily replaced if required. Plus, white is a great background color for when logos are painted on.
