British Airways has been painting planes in retro colours to celebrate its 100th Anniversary – with BOAC, BEA announced so far.
The third British Airways Retrojet has been confirmed as The Landor Associates design.
The BA 100 version of Landor – Rendering, British Airways.
The Landor livery first entered service in 1984 – replacing the Negus livery that had been introduced when BOAC and BEA merged in 1974. This was designed by Landor Associates, as part of the preparation for the privatisation of the airline.
The BOAC Speedbird was changed to a red speedwing, and New titles were introduced, along with some rather corporate paintwork
British Airways McDonnell Douglas DC-10 at Phoenix Sky Harbour on its first arrival – Image, British Airways
And if you look hard enough you’ll see a crest on the tail of the plane – which is the airline’s arms and motto – “To Fly, To Serve”
This lasted until 1997 when the Utopia tails project began.
G-BNLY will be the plane painted up as part of the BA100 celebrations. It is Dublin for the repaint and will re-enter service in March with its new paint job. It will also regain its original name “City of Swansea”. It will retain this paintwork until 2023 – when the plane is retired in favour of the Airbus A350 and Boeing 777-9.
In Quotes
Alex Cruz, British Airways’ Chairman and CEO, said:
“Today’s announcement follows the exciting arrival of our BOAC 747 aircraft and the upcoming unveiling of an A319 in BEA colours. The passion and pride we’ve seen for our heritage liveries so far, from both customers and colleagues, has been both phenomenal and humbling. We’re really thrilled to announce Landor as the latest iconic scheme to join the fleet as part of our centenary celebrations and we’re sure this excitement will be reflected around the world.”
One more to go
With another plane to be painted as part of the historical retrojet fleet, it’s good to see the airline bringing back some colour to the air – as well as colours that were familiar to me during my childhood.
I understand there is one more to come, and personally – the one I’m most excited about. But for a lot of people – I’m sure they’ll be happy to see the Landor colour scheme in the skies again.
Welcome to Economy Class and Beyond – Your no-nonsense guide to network news, honest reviews, with in-depth coverage, unique research as well as the humour and madness as I only know how to deliver.
Follow me on Twitter at @EconomyBeyond for the latest updates! You can also follow me on Instagram too!
Also remember that as well as being part of BoardingArea, we’re also part of BoardingArea.eu, delivering frequent flyer news, miles and points to the European reader.
You would have thought that if BA are going to do a Negus livery retrojet, they’d unveil it before the Landor livery?
Love that they’re using heritage idents on the departure screens for flights operated by the retrojets when departing Heathrow.
The BOAC aircraft and BEA design look amazing. Really looking forward to seeing & hopefully getting to fly on the Landor B747 – this is the British Airways that we remember growing up and for us this will be the most exciting to see! Not long to go now.