Kermit the Frog famously stated, "it's not easy being green." He was, of course, not referring to airplanes, because everybody's sick of boring white jets.
As anyone who has parked a black car in a sunny parking lot knows, some colors reflect heat better than others. And the best color for heat reflection is white, hence the color of most jets. With less heat, less air-conditioning is needed and the airlines save money on fuel. But as any proper Jalop knows, the rational choice rarely produces the most interesting outcome. That's why people buy old British Cars, and why airlines occasionally go all Kermit von der Frog on their planes.
In 1994 Qantas started using some Aborigine-inspired designs to paint a Boeing 747 and 737. The results were "Wunala Dreaming" and Yananyi Dreaming," which to this day are two of the most interesting aircraft out there. They feature trippy kangaroos bounding over what can only be described as cartoon coral, all set in tones apparently inspired by the natural Australian landscape. Per Qantas' wishes, the planes were a completely fitting tribute to Australia's proud heritage (save the total lack of British criminals).
The Qantas "Flying Art" are bright and bold, but can you think of some equally (or more) interesting airline liveries? Place your suggestion in the comments. Only rules are that it has to be an actual commercial jet, and if anyone can find a Concorde more interesting than the Pepsi one they get my vote.
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Photo Credit: Vince O'Sullivan