Editor’s Note: AirlineGeeks is proud to present our ‘Livery of the Week’ series. Every Friday, a team member will share an airline livery, which can be from the past, present, or even a special scheme. Some airline liveries are works of art. The complexity associated with painting around critical flight components and the added weight requires outside-the-box thinking from designers. The average airliner can cost upwards of $200,000 to repaint, creating a separate aircraft repainting industry as a result.
Have an idea for a livery that we should highlight? Drop us a line.
Biman Bangladesh Airlines’ standard livery is built around the Balaka, or migratory stork, a symbol that has been synonymous with the airline since its founding in 1972. Displayed prominently on the tail in bright red, the stylized bird has become one of the most recognizable airline logos in South Asia.
The Balaka is positioned against a white vertical stabilizer, creating a sharp contrast that draws attention to the emblem. The symbol represents movement and long-distance travel, reflecting both Bangladesh’s aviation ambitions and the airline’s role in connecting the country with destinations across Asia, Europe, and the Middle East.
The fuselage follows a clean, understated layout. A green cheatline runs the length of the aircraft beneath the cabin windows, while “Biman Bangladesh Airlines” titles appear near the forward fuselage in both English and Bengali. The use of green and red mirrors the colors of Bangladesh’s national flag.
(Photo: AirlineGeeks | Katie Zera)
The current version of the livery was introduced as Biman modernized its fleet with Boeing 787 Dreamliners and 737 aircraft. While the design has been refined over the years, the airline retained the Balaka emblem, ensuring continuity with a brand that has represented Bangladesh for more than half a century.
The livery is applied consistently across Biman’s fleet of Boeing 777s, 787 Dreamliners, and 737-800s. Although the proportions vary between narrowbody and widebody aircraft, the placement of the Balaka, cheatline, and bilingual titles remains largely unchanged.
Unlike many modern airline liveries that emphasize abstract graphics or minimalist branding, Biman’s design places a single national symbol at its center. The result is a straightforward but distinctive livery that has endured through multiple fleet generations while remaining closely tied to the airline’s heritage.
Looking for a new airplane model? Head over to our friends at the Midwest Model Store for a wide selection of airlines and liveries.
