By Analiza Pathak

Copyright india

If you look around any airport you’ll notice that almost all airplanes are painted white. From small domestic flights to large international jets most of them have a white body with only the airline’s logo or name added on top. At first this might seem like just a coincidence but there are actually many smart reasons behind it. Painting a plane is not only about appearance. It’s also connected to safety cost and even the comfort of passengers. White turns out to be the most practical and dependable colour for aircraft which is why it has become the go-to choice across the aviation industry.
Why Are Airplanes Painted White?
1. White Reflects Heat
Planes spend a lot of time sitting in the sun and flying high in the sky. White paint keeps the plane cooler by reflecting sunlight. Its like putting on a white shirt on a sweltering summer day. A plane would absorb more heat if it were painted a dark color. Because the air conditioner must work harder to keep the cabin cool more fuel is used. Airlines save money and energy by painting their aircraft white.
2. White Makes Damage Easier to See
Safety is the most important thing in aviation and white paint helps with that too. Cracks oil leaks and other types of damage are much easier to spot on a white surface. If planes were dark small problems might go unnoticed which could be dangerous. Since airplanes are checked regularly a white body makes inspections faster simpler and safer for everyone.
3. White Paint Lasts Longer
Airplanes face tough weather conditions: hot sun cold temperatures rain ice and strong winds. Dark or bright colours can fade peel or lose their shine quickly under these conditions. White paint however holds up much better. It keeps the plane looking clean and new for longer which saves airlines money on frequent touch-ups or full repainting. Repainting a plane is expensive taking one to two weeks while the aircraft is grounded and can cost anywhere from USD 150000 to USD 300000.
Another benefit is weight: new layers of paint add up to 550 kg to the plane. Extra weight increases fuel use and reduces profits for airlines.
4. Helps with Resale Value
Due to their high cost airlines frequently sell or lease their aircraft to other carriers. The new owner typically has to repaint a plane that has been painted a bright or unusual color which is very expensive and time-consuming. New owners can easily add their logos to white planes without having to pay for a complete repaint because they are essentially a blank canvas.
5. Easier to See in the Sky and During Emergencies
White is one of the most visible colours. It stands out in the sky and on the ground helping pilots avoid collisions and improving overall safety. In case of an emergency a white plane is much easier to spot than darker-colored aircraft that blend into the surroundings.
6. Reduces Bird Strikes
Even wildlife safety is affected by colour. Birds can see lighter-coloured planes more easily so they tend to avoid them. White planes stand out against the sky reducing the chances of bird strikes. Aviation safety studies show that lighter-coloured aircraft are easier for both humans and animals to detect making flights safer in many ways.
Why Air New Zealand is an exception?
While most airplanes are white Air New Zealand is a rare exception. In 2007 the airline painted a Boeing 777 in striking black to celebrate the Rugby World Cup in France creating the famous “All Black” look to reflect New Zealand’s national colour.
This bold design started a tradition and now the airline ensures that every type of aircraft in its fleet has at least one plane with the signature black-on-white livery. Black is an important colour in New Zealand representing national pride and appearing in everything from sports jerseys to cultural symbols.
In August 2022 Air New Zealand went even further by unveiling the A321neo ZK-OYB the first completely black plane in the Star Alliance fleet. Its Boeing 777-300ER also holds the title of the largest black-painted commercial aircraft in the world.