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Showing posts from July 6, 2019

Why Planes Are Painted White ?

Until just after second world war, most aircraft exteriors were left unpainted or decorated with only the aircraft emblem for economical reasons. While this saves money, it leaves the aircraft exposed and unprotected, especially in harsh weather conditions. Paint is more than aesthetic ,affects the weight of aircraft and protects the integrity of the Air frame. There are exceptions. Air New Zealand once turned a Boeing 777 into a giant Ad for Lord of the Rings, Mango, based in Johannesburg utilises a bright orange hue, while Siberian Carrier S7 colors its planes with Lime green. But the vast majority of passenger aircraft are painted white. why? Paint adds between 600-1200 Lbs. (273 to 544 Kg.) of weight to an aircraft. Extra weight means more fuel is burned and 544 Kg. equates to around eight passengers. Airlines take the view of weight very seriously. In 1980, American Airlines claimed annual savings of $ 40,000 by removing just one Olive from every salad served on Board in its