Why commercial airplanes are usually painted white

Primary reasons airlines choose to paint their aircraft white 

Group captain HS Chimni VSM tells indianexpress.com, “White is a visually appealing colour and provides an excellent base for displaying an airline’s logo. Airlines primarily paint their aircraft white for several reasons. White is visually appealing and provides a good background for displaying airline logos. Additionally, white is associated with cleanliness and purity, which can enhance the aircraft’s appearance. From a maintenance perspective, white makes it easier to spot dirt and grime, allowing for efficient cleaning.”

Does the colour of an aircraft’s exterior affect its temperature regulation and fuel efficiency?

Group captain Chimni says that while it’s believed that white paint might help keep the temperature lower when the aircraft is on the ground, it doesn’t have any impact at cruising altitude, where the outside temperature is very cold regardless of the aircraft’s colour.”

As for fuel efficiency, the colour doesn’t play a role. “There is also a common belief that lighter colours, like white, are lighter in weight compared to darker paints, potentially leading to fuel savings. But, in terms of weight, 100 litres of white paint weighs the same as 100 litres of black paint and covers the same surface area,” he explains.

The commercial appeal of white does not guarantee more passengers; an airline’s safety record is what really attracts customers. (Source: Freepik)

Long-term implications of using lighter coloured paints on the lifespan and maintenance costs

The lifespan of an aircraft’s paint depends on various factors, says group captain Chimni, including environmental conditions and the quality of the paint. “Both white and darker colours require the same level of maintenance and need to be repainted after similar periods. The maintenance cost is based more on airline policies and resources rather than the appearance of the aircraft. Therefore, while lighter colours may appear more appealing, they do not inherently offer any significant advantages in maintenance or lifespan,” he mentions. 

Safety considerations related to the colour of an aircraft

“Visibility is crucial for certain types of aircraft. Helicopters, for instance, often operate under Visual Flight Rules (VFR) and are painted in bright colours like red, green, and yellow for maximum visibility. Commercial jets, however, fly under Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) where safety is ensured by advanced air traffic control systems and onboard radars rather than visual cues,” says group captain Chimni.

Although white can make damage spots more visible, maintenance procedures do not depend on the colour of the aircraft. In the military, the approach is different — visibility is minimised through camouflaging for safety purposes. For instance, helicopters used in challenging terrains or under VFR conditions are often painted in multiple bright colours to enhance visibility and safety.

The commercial appeal of aircrafts

Group captain Chimni stresses, “For commercial jets, the colour is more of a commercial decision rather than a technical one. White serves as a pleasant base that allows logos and airline names to stand out, similar to writing on a white sheet of paper. It’s practical for branding, and while it doesn’t offer technical advantages, it is visually appealing.”

The commercial appeal of white does not guarantee more passengers; an airline’s safety record is what really attracts customers, he adds, stating that the military operates with a different philosophy. “For operational effectiveness, military aircraft, except VIP jets, are painted in colours that reduce visibility. Helicopters, however, are painted in bright colours when they fly in regions where visibility is key for safety.”