Terminal 8 at John F. Kennedy Airport in New York yesterday hosted a special event: the first American Airlines plane with the company’s new livery was in town. The 737-800 is the first American aircraft with the new livery, but a Boeing 777-300 ER, the carriers new flagship aircraft, is being painted right now and we should see it before its maiden flight to Sao Paulo on January 31st.
With members of the media invited, American Airlines talked about the change to their iconic livery, and what it means for the brands future. In general, most people I spoke with like the change, though some were a bit reluctant to accept the new tail design.
After seeing it in person, I am torn over this new livery. I like a the look of the body of the aircraft, but the tail leaves a bit to be desired. There is a lot of detail in the paint on the tail, but most of it is lost at a distance. The engines and winglets also need something to tie it all together.
Check out some close up shots of the new paint below, you might just see some details you didn’t notice before. With a bit more time to process; what do you think about the new livery?
Read some more about this event and AA’s reaction to criticism of the design over at APEX.com.
Time to update the AA logo history in T8, JFK.
American Airlines 737 featuring the new livery, as seen from above in the operations tower.
I wonder what the One World livery will look like when it is updated?
American Airlines 737 tail featuring the new livery, as seen from above in the operations tower.
The new American Airlines tail design, close up. Much more detail here than you see from a distance.
The new American Airlines tail design
The new American Airlines tail design
American 737 with the new livery, and a promo poster for the upcoming Boeing 777-300ER
Panorama
Say goodbye, old livery!
That’s me!
Flight deck of the Boeing 737
Heads up display on the Boeing 737
Left seat of the 737, fully stocked with an iPad for the electronic flight bag
PA system controls
Boeing Sky Interior controls
Boeing Sky Interior
Old and New
The American Astro Jet showed up!
This story written by… Jason Rabinowitz, Correspondent.
Jason is a New York City native who has grown up in the shadow of JFK International Airport. A true “avgeek”, he enjoys plane spotting and photography, as well taking any opportunity he can get to fly on an aircraft.
American Airline’s new livery on an actual aircraft: Boeing 737-800 (N908NN). Photo by Joe Statz. Click for Larger.
After some additional thoughts on the livery, I wanted to do a second post. I like American Airline’s new livery. Don’t hate me. It seems that most #AvGeeks out there aren’t huge fans. I have to say I wasn’t too sure when seeing the mock-ups of the Boeing 777-300ER, but seeing the livery on a real plane (via photo above), I have to say I like it.
Quite a few people around the internet like the concept, but hate the tail. But looking at this close-up photo of the tail makes me like it even more. I have also seen quite a few people complain that the tail only has 12 stripes versus the actual American flag having 13. No, this is not some conspiracy to over-throw the government. It is pretty obvious that the tail is a representation of the American flag and not an exact duplicate. I mean come on folks. Even US Airway’s flag on their tail has nine stripes, not the proper colors and no stars. Colgan Air had 6.5 (I think) stripes and only five stars.
I come from the perspective of not liking their bare aluminum livery, which I know if loved by most people. Yes, it is classic, but it looks dated to me and made the airline look old (doesn’t help when it is on old planes). But American is making quite a few changes (merger with US Airways or not) and I think this livery matches their desire to change and move into the future.
I asked some of the other AirlineReporter.com writing staff their thoughts:
“It’s boldly patriotic, a welcome and classy update,” Nick Smith.
“I neither love it Nor hate it, it is a livery that is eye catching on the tail but still fairly plain. The new American logo reminds me of the tail design used on Aeroflot and i have heard references to numerous other similarities. The biggest thing this livery reminds me of is Virgin Australia using the southern cross on its tail as a bit of a patriotic feel, and that was just horrible to look at, hopefully this new AA livery makes some people happy,” Malcolm Muir.
“Americans new livery is refreshing, to say the least. However, the design of the tail could use some tweaking. Something on the engines would be nice, too,” Jason Rabinowitz.
“It’s fugly. The logo is amazing though and I love that but the tail just kills it. But I am sure, like JAL’s new scheme, it’ll grow on me. I feel that up-close the tail looks amazing. From a distance it’s an eye-sore,” Brandon Farris.
“It’s bold to say the least. I know that American wanted to do something dramatic to drum up interest as they work their way out of bankruptcy (or via a merger). It’s not a bad livery but it just seems like the tail is a bit over the top and could have been simplified,” Colin Cook.
“I have to say that I am really like the livery. It’s minimalist and retro at the front. The stripes on the tail definitely makes me think “America! Heck Yeah!” and I’m okay with that. Business in the front, party in the back. And like the mullet, very American,” Temo Madrigal.
Look at these two. The new livery on the left and old on the right. Which one looks more modern? This give you second thoughts? Images- Left: Joe Statz Right: Caribb
Give it time. Like Brandon, I remember when I first saw the new JAL livery in concept form. I thought the airline had lost their mind. Seeing it in a photo, it was a bit better, but it really took seeing it in person (and a few months) to fully appreciate it.
There are many people out there who have a long-love for American and seeing such a dramatic change is challenging — I get it. But with the loss of so many airlines and liveries over the years, I think most will also learn to appreciate this livery. Trust me. My guess is it will grow on you — maybe.
This story written by…David Parker Brown, Editor & Founder. David started AirlineReporter.com in the summer of 2008, but has had a passion for aviation since he was a kid. Born and raised in the Seattle area (where he is currently based) has surely had an influence and he couldn’t imagine living anywhere else in the world.
American Airlines new livery shown on a Boeing 777-300ER. Image from American.
From American’s Press Release:
FORT WORTH, Texas, Jan. 17, 2013 – It’s a new year and a fresh new look for American Airlines as the company today unveils a new logo and exterior for its planes, including the already delivered Flagship Boeing 777-300ER aircraft set to fly on Jan. 31. In addition, American plans to continue taking delivery of new planes this year as part of its historic orders for 550 new aircraft. The unveiling of the new logo and livery is the latest step forward in American’s ongoing journey toward building a more modern travel experience for its customers.
“Since placing our landmark aircraft order in July of 2011, we’ve been building anticipation toward a moment in time when the outside of our aircraft reflects the progress we’ve made to modernize our airline on the inside,” said Tom Horton, American’s Chairman and CEO. “While we complete the evaluation of whether a merger can build on American’s strengths, we remain steadfast in each step we take to renew our airline, a step we take with great respect for our name American. Today marks important progress in that journey as we unveil a new and updated look for the first time in more than 40 years.”
American is preparing to take delivery of hundreds of new, lighter aircraft featuring composite materials that must be painted. Since the polished metal look was no longer an option, the importance of the paint selection became critical to honoring American’s silver bird legacy. Silver mica paint was chosen as a way to maintain the silver heritage which American’s people and customers are passionate about, yet progress ahead with a clean new look.
American’s new logo.
“Our new logo and livery are designed to reflect the passion for progress and the soaring spirit, which is uniquely American,” said Virasb Vahidi, American’s Chief Commercial Officer. “Our core colors — red, white and blue – have been updated to reflect a more vibrant and welcoming spirit. The new tail, with stripes flying proudly, is a bold reflection of American’s origin and name. And our new flight symbol, an updated eagle, incorporates the many icons that people have come to associate with American, including the ‘A’ and the star.”
Since entering the restructuring process, American has made a series of strategic investments designed to place customers at the center of all it does and give employees the tools, training and leading technologies they need to provide customers with a uniquely American experience, while also creating growth and opportunity for its people.
Today’s news is a reminder that while there are still significant decisions that need to be made about the future of the company, American remains focused on continuing the forward movement of the many investments that have been announced in the past year, including:
Industry’s Most Modern Fleet: This year, American will take delivery of nearly 60 new aircraft, including the new Boeing 777-300ER which will enter into service on Jan. 31. In July, American will begin taking delivery of Airbus aircraft made of lighter, more fuel efficient composite materials, which must be painted. The airline continues investments to offer state-of-the-art inflight Wi-Fi, in-seat entertainment, universal AC power outlets at every seat, and Main Cabin Extra seating on all mainline aircraft. In addition, American has plans to offer fully lie-flat premium class seats on all of the airline’s widebody aircraft and transcontinental fleet.
Expanded International Service: American strengthens its network this year with expanded service to more destinations worldwide, including more international and domestic routes from Dallas/Fort Worth, more European and domestic service from Chicago O’Hare, new service to Europe from New York, and new service from Miami to Latin America and the Caribbean. This year, American also will begin the following international services: Dallas/Fort Worth ─ Seoul, South Korea; Dallas/Fort Worth ─ Lima, Peru; Dallas/Fort Worth – Bogota, Colombia; Chicago O’Hare ─ Dusseldorf, Germany; New York JFK ─ Dublin, Ireland; Miami – Pointe-a-Pitre, Guadeloupe; Miami – Fort-de-France, Martinique; Miami – Curitiba, Brazil; and Miami – Porto Alegre, Brazil.
Information in an Instant: The airline announced plans to supply flight attendants, pilots, and maintenance workers with their own tablet devices, designed to give them real-time information and better operational insights to do their job more efficiently. Beginning next month, employees will also be equipped with new technologies at the airport designed to make the travel experience easier and more convenient.
Top-Notch Onboard Experience: Earlier this month,the airline rolled out new enhancements in premium class cabins on international routes, including elegant new china, more menu choices, and a more personalized service similar to a restaurant. In addition, American will expand the availability of Samsung Galaxy tablets for entertainment use in the premium cabins to more routes later this year.
New American Airlines livery in flight. Image from American.
American Eagle and the AAdvantage® program also will get a new look as of today. The first American Eagle plane will fly the new livery beginning in February. Updating the new look across American’s network is a long process and will be rolled out over time to the airline’s airports, interiors and exteriors of aircraft, new uniforms, products and services, and technology platforms like AA.com and the American mobile apps.
American’s new look was created with input from our customers and our people, and in partnership with FutureBrand – a leading global brand consultancy. In addition, American today launches a new advertising campaign designed to showcase the new look. The advertising campaign was developed with agency partner McCann Worldgroup. (end of press release)
Currently there is a Boeing 737-800 in new colors (waiting on photos) in Dallas. American Airlines pointed out to AirlineReporter.com, “the planes are not, and will not be, painted white. The paint covering the fuselage, as you’ve seen, is a silver mica that pays direct homage to the now-former aluminum.”
SO — WHAT DO YOU THINK?!
This story written by…David Parker Brown, Editor & Founder.
David started AirlineReporter.com in the summer of 2008, but has had a passion for aviation since he was a kid. Born and raised in the Seattle area (where he is currently based) has surely had an influence and he couldn’t imagine living anywhere else in the world.
Is the 737-800 on the left set up for American Airlines new livery? The one of the right is an older 737-800. Left Image: Malcolm Muir. Right Image: Drewski2112. [CLICK FOR LARGER]
It is shocking how locked down American Airlines has their new livery. I will admit that I have been trying to get some inside scoop on the livery and no one is talking, mostly because so few people actually know what this new livery is going to look like.
We have seen American’s new 777-300ERs (77W) with a base paint, but we aren’t sure of the colors (I will go out on a limb and say that red and blue will survive). What the titles will look like or if we will still see the eagle is still anyone’s guess.
One questions has been if American will paint its entire fleet in the new design or if this is just a special one-off livery to celebrate the 777-300ER. Recently, Malcolm Muir, AirlineRepoter.com correspondent, caught a photo of a new American Boeing 737-800 and noticed a difference.
It might not be so obvious looking at the two 737′s above, but take a look at the winglets. The newest one (on the left), is lacking the AA.com on the winglet, which has been seen on all previous pre-painted 737s. Is this because it is set to get AA’s new design? Probably.
American Airlines third Boeing 777-300ER (N719AN) seen in Portland on January 8, 2013. Photo by Sabian404/Russell Hill.
It is highly expected that American’s new livery will debut on one of their Boeing 777-300ERs at Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport, but when? American took delivery of their first 77W over a month ago and it has been conducting demo/preparation flights for the airline (it was recently seen in Miami with mini-American titles). The first 777-300ER is scheduled to start service from DFW to Sao Paulo on January 31, 2013, which doesn’t leave much time for American to show off their new livery.
I highly doubt that they would fly the 77W on scheduled service in this half-livery and of course they want to get as much publicity off the new livery and their change in direction as possible. I expect that we should all have a date of unveiling rather soon — like by the end of the week. I would hope that unlike the delivery of their first 777-300ER, the new livery unveiling will not go quietly — stay tuned.
UPDATE: Tom Horton, the parent of American Airlines parent AMR, sent out a letter employees earlier today and in it stated, “With all of these changes, our company will very quickly begin to look and feel very different – both inside and out. We will be sharing more information about the new look and feel very soon.” Notice how the “very” is italicized — American did that. It is coming soon. Very soon. (see the full letter)
This story written by…David Parker Brown, Editor & Founder.
David started AirlineReporter.com in the summer of 2008, but has had a passion for aviation since he was a kid. Born and raised in the Seattle area (where he is currently based) has surely had an influence and he couldn’t imagine living anywhere else in the world.
Germanwings new livery on an Airbus A319 (D-AGWT). Photo from Germanwings.
Behold Germanwing’s new livery which was recently painted on an Airbus A319 (D-AGWT). The change is more than just a new design; they are altering the way that they do business as well.
Germanwings was founded in 1997 as a German based low-cost airline and in January 2009, they became a subsidiary of Lufthansa Airlines. Germanwings currently operates a fleet of almost 40 Airbus A319 aircraft, but it will soon grow.
Lufthansa will start moving aircraft to the “new” airline and Germanwings fleet will grow to about 90. Germanwings is set to take over all of Lufthansa’s domestic and European, non-hub flights.
Germanwings previous livery on an Airbus A319. Photo by Jeremy Dwyer-Lindgren.
Christoph Franz, Chairman of the Executive Board of Deutsche Lufthansa AG stated: “With the ‘new Germanwings’ we are going on the offensive in respect of point-to-point connections. We have developed a convincing array of products and have many years of experience in the low-cost and premium segments. We will combine elements of both in the ‘new Germanwings’ and set new standards in our home market of Europe. This will enable us to operate profitably away from our large hubs again while also exciting our passengers with a modern offering.”
Germanwings new pricing structure is a bit easier to follow than other low cost airlines. Image from Germanwings.
On July 1, 2013, the official “new Germanwings” will start operations with only economy seating, but with three types of service (see the chart above).
Lufthansa’s website states, “True to the motto “Reasonably priced but not cheap”, the airline’s employees will focus all the more on meeting customer’s wishes to the fullest in the future. Passengers will be able to choose from three basic Economy Class modules for this – Best, Smart and Basic.”
The more you pay; the better service you get. Not too difficult.
What do you think of Germanwings new livery? Photo from Germanwings.
The new livery is a pretty radical departure from the previous one. It moves to a more conservative look, that mirrors Lufthansa.
As far as European-white liveries, I think this one does quite well. The swooping, colorful “W” on the tail goes well with the titles on the side. I only wish that color would have been added to the winglets, but maybe that would have been a bit too much. Lufthansa has probably one of the most simple, yet regal liveries and probably wanted Germanwings to have a bit more of a “fun” or “cost effective” look, while steering clear of the Spirit Airlines or Wizz Air look.
This story written by…David Parker Brown, Editor & Founder.
David started AirlineReporter.com in the summer of 2008, but has had a passion for aviation since he was a kid. Born and raised in the Seattle area (where he is currently based) has surely had an influence and he couldn’t imagine living anywhere else in the world.
