Hungarian flag-carrier Malev has painted one of its Bombardier Q400 turboprops in a retro livery, the colours used by its Ilyushin Il-18s from 1960.
The airline is the latest of several carriers to celebrate an anniversary – in the case of Malev, its 65th – by applying a historical scheme.
Malev has painted the aircraft registered HA-LQD. This airframe was previously operated by Scandinavian Airlines before it joined the Malev fleet.
After it was delivered to Malev, the airline organised a public competition in late 2009 to design a Hungarian-themed livery for the turboprop. But while it intended to paint the successful candidate’s colours onto HA-LQD, the plan appears to have lapsed.
 |
|---|
|
|---|
© Malev |
Malev is commemorating the founding of its legal predecessor operator in 1946. The Q400 arrived at Budapest Ferihegy today, making a pass over the runway before landing.
"We are drawing the attention of our customers to over half a century of professional expertise and quality that are inherent in the Malev brand," says Malev chief Martin Gauss. The retro aircraft will operate several local routes including services to Prague, Vienna, Stuttgart and Bucharest.
Source: Flight International
