Creative liveries are among the most striking ways for an airline to stand out. Several projects will take off in 2026, and we’ve selected a few creative airline liveries to watch.
Scandinavian Airlines (SAS)
SAS is celebrating its 80th anniversary in 2026, and to mark the occasion, an Airbus A330-300 (registered as LN-RKR and named Tore Viking) has been repainted in the airline’s signature cobalt blue. For the first time, an entire aircraft has been painted in the striking color, while the red, blue, white, and yellow accents refer to the flags of Denmark, Norway, and Sweden.
“For 80 years, Scandinavian Airlines has driven innovation and brought Scandinavia closer to the world through safe and reliable operations. From our first transatlantic flight to today’s global network, that purpose remains unchanged. This aircraft is a symbol of our heritage, and of the role we play every day for our customers and the societies we serve”, SAS CEO Anko van der Werff said about the livery.
Norwegian Air Shuttle
Norwegian’s “Tail Fin Heroes” program, started in 2002, features portraits of iconic personalities who challenged norms and pushed boundaries. Originally focused on Scandinavian pioneers, the portraits expanded to include European and American figures (e.g., Freddie Mercury, Oscar Wilde) to reflect the airline’s growth. The portraits, alongside a red-nosed livery, are a signature branding element.
To celebrate their 20th anniversary in 2022, Norwegian began a renewal program, introducing a modern red, white, and blue design that reflects the hero’s life and work.
Brussels Airlines
Since February 2026, Brussels Airlines has been flying a very special Airbus A320. The Belgian Icon aircraft, registered as OO-SNJ, has been dedicated to the internationally cherished comic character Tintin. It is the second Brussels Airlines plane to be decorated with one of Hergé’s iconic characters, this time with a space-themed drawing.
“Comic art is an essential part of Belgium’s cultural identity, and Hergé’s work continues to inspire people around the world. It is no coincidence that Rackham was our very first Belgian Icon. With this new aircraft, we deepen that legacy and strengthen our mission to showcase Belgian creativity around the world. We are proud to bring another iconic piece of Belgian culture into the skies and to offer our passengers a unique experience,” Dorothea von Boxberg, CEO of Brussels Airlines, said at the time.
China Airlines
Flag carrier China Airlines has announced its second Pokémon-themed aircraft, following on from its Pikachu Jet CI, which was unveiled in 2022.
An Airbus A350 has been wrapped in the new design, which features 13 Pokémon cartoons (including fan favorites such as Pikachu, Skiploom, and Dragonite) and a pastel floral pattern.
China Airlines is also launching Pokémon-themed children’s meals across all routes, plus Pokémon merchandise available for purchase via the China Airlines eMall website.
A Pokémon concept might seem like an unusual choice for a Taiwanese-based carrier given that the franchise originated in Japan. However, it’s a clever move by the airline, given that the nostalgia-fuelled brand is the world’s highest-grossing media franchise with an estimated revenue exceeding $150 billion.
Air India Express
Low-cost carrier Air India Express has collaborated with contemporary artist and illustrator Osheen Siva to give one of its Boeing 737-8 aircraft a new look, which launched this week.
Based in Goa, India, Siva’s work mixes Dalit and Tamil heritage with surrealism and science fiction. Air India Express has created an original piece depicting a Tamil figure against an azure backdrop.
The livery is part of the airline’s broader Tales of India initiative, in which aircraft tail fins are decorated with patterns inspired by Indian heritage.
Conclusion
Airlines paint their planes in bright colors and distinctive liveries primarily as a high-visibility marketing tool to stand out on crowded tarmacs. While most aircraft are predominantly white for safety and efficiency (cooler cabin, easier damage inspection, lower weight), bright colors, special liveries, or company-specific colors build brand recognition.
Creative Airline Liveries to Watch in 2026, Tor Kjolberg reporting.