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. 

Air France, the French flag carrier, has maintained a recognizable and classic livery for decades. While subtle updates have been implemented over the years, the core elements have remained consistent, contributing to the airline’s strong brand identity.

The majority of the aircraft’s body is painted white, a common trend in modern aviation known as “Eurowhite.” The tail features a series of horizontal stripes in red, white, and blue, echoing the colors of the French flag.

This emblem has historical roots, dating back to Air France’s predecessor airlines in the 1930s. The airline’s name is written in a clear, modern typeface, usually in dark blue or black.

While the overall look has remained largely consistent since the 1970s, some notable changes include a softening of the tail stripes. The lines of the tail stripes have been refined over time, giving them a smoother appearance. The “Air France” wordmark has been subtly updated to reflect contemporary typography trends.

Looking for a new airplane model? Head over to our friends at the Midwest Model Store for a wide selection of airlines and liveries.