Virgin Atlantic has unveiled a new livery. The British carrier says the new design will be applied to its 38 aircraft and was first applied to Boeing 747-400 G-VROC "Mustang Sally".
"Virgin Atlantic has a strong history of investing during downturns and we believe that our new livery and the forthcoming delivery of the Airbus A330-300 signals another period of growth for the airline," CEO Steve Ridgway says.
The carrier explains the features of its new livery:
(Image: Virgin Atlantic)
"Virgin Atlantic has a strong history of investing during downturns and we believe that our new livery and the forthcoming delivery of the Airbus A330-300 signals another period of growth for the airline," CEO Steve Ridgway says.
The carrier explains the features of its new livery:
The Virgin Atlantic name, previously on the front end of the fuselage is now emblazoned large across the whole of the aircraft in a fine custom drawn font. In addition, the undercarriage of the aircraft now features the new Virgin Atlantic logo in dark purple - making the aircraft more easily identifiable when taking off and landing. The winglets are now red with the Virgin script on the inner side, visible to passengers on board the plane.
The new livery uses an entirely new paint system which is unique to Virgin Atlantic - a first on commercial aircraft. It has been specially developed to achieve a highly reflective depth of metallic colour.
The painting process has been simplified, using fewer maskings and applications for a drastic reduction in materials used. Over 450 litres of paint was used and took over 3,000 - 3,500 man hours to paint. The new paint is more durable so aircraft will only require re-painting once a decade.
The iconic, flag carrying flying lady, who appears on all Virgin Atlantic aircraft, has been rejuvenated with a subtle cosmetic makeover and enhanced detailing - now fluttering a larger Union Jack.
Virgin Atlantic says it commissioned brand agency Circus in 2008 to review its brand. The new livery and logo was developed by Johnson Banks.
What do you think? Have your say here on our AirSpace forums.
See this video of Virgin Atlantic Boeing 747 being repainted in the new livery.
Here's an artist's impression of the new livery on the carrier's new A330-300, which the carrier will introduce into service next April. Note the registration is G-VNYC, although reservation systems indicate the first A330 flights will be to Orlando.
(Image: Virgin Atlantic)
on July 30, 2010 7:33 AM | Reply
Will - great blog and great tweeting at #APAOS. Sorry we did not meet there.
PS - you are missing an "r" in the title
on July 30, 2010 7:38 AM | Reply
Thanks, Tim! Sorry we didn't meet at #APAOS. We'll have to meet at next year's conference, if not sooner. Thanks about the missing R in the title.;)
on July 31, 2010 4:47 AM | Reply
Whoever did the artist's impression should have checked with Head Office which engines the Virgin A330s will have. This image shows a CF6 when it should be a Trent 700. ;)
on August 3, 2010 2:57 PM | Reply
Why oh why do Virgin not proof read their text.
The Union Jack is only a 'Jack' when it is flown on an active vessel of the Royal Navy. Any other incarnations of the flag should be called the 'Union Flag'. I appreciate the populace in general may not be aware of this, but at least good old BA and BMA always called the flag by it correct name.
As for the flag being flown or depicated upside down don't get me on ranting that subject.
This is typical of the lack of respect of the British public in these modern times.
on August 3, 2010 5:02 PM | Reply
The new Virgin livery is missing:
"No way BA/AA" and "Four Engines for Longhaul"
I wonder why ?
on August 4, 2010 9:27 AM | Reply
I suspect people find "Jack" more interesting than "Flag", and perhaps have become accustomed to "Union Jack" instead of "Union Flag".
on August 4, 2010 10:08 AM | Reply
Not applicable ;)
on August 5, 2010 11:16 AM | Reply
Difficult to determine on the new photo but are Virgin retaining the brushed metalic fuselage finish? I hope so because it looks extremely stylish.
on August 5, 2010 12:14 PM | Reply
Virgin's statement says "The new livery uses an entirely new paint system which is unique to Virgin Atlantic - a first on commercial aircraft. It has been specially developed to achieve a highly reflective depth of metallic colour"
So while Virgin is not using the old paint scheme, it seems the new one achieves a similar effect: http://www.airliners.net/photo/Virgin-Atlantic-Airways/Boeing-747-41R/1747930/L/&sid=6c57acaa23e022894a1ccb8824fd0d58
on August 8, 2010 5:34 PM | Reply
This photograph really shows off the new metallic red: http://cdn-www.airliners.net/aviation-photos/photos/1/0/0/1755001.jpg