3 reasons most airplanes are painted white
Have you ever wondered why most commercial aeroplanes are painted white?
Even if you’ve never been on an aeroplane before, you’ve most likely seen a couple in the sky or in movies.
And one thing is peculiar to them, especially commercial aeroplanes: they are usually primarily white in colour.
If you have ever wondered, there are some practical reasons aviation companies do this.
Why aeroplanes are white
1. Heat reflection
Aircraft are prone to prolonged sunlight, especially when parked on the ground for an extended period of time. The use of white paint, which reflects sunlight and absorbs less heat compared to darker colours, is crucial for maintaining cooler interiors. This is particularly important for the aircraft’s engines and sensitive electronic equipment.
2. Protection against UV radiation
Planes fly at high altitudes and, hence, are exposed to harsh UV radiation. The colour white, due to its reflective property, reflects some of the incident UV rays, thereby minimising the impact of prolonged exposure on aeroplanes.
3. Visibility
White, a highly conspicuous and visible colour, painted on an aeroplane makes it easier for ground crew and other aircraft to see. This enhances safety during ground operations and in-flight, as it increases the chances of spotting the aircraft from a distance.
Research has also shown that white paint on aeroplanes helps to contribute to fuel efficiency. The relative cooling of white paint is great for the aerodynamics of the plane, thereby relatively minimising fuel usage. This effective concept allows airlines to cut costs in the long run.
Nevertheless, airlines include other specific colours on their aeroplanes for branding and marketing purposes, but the overall colour scheme still usually includes a significant amount of white.
Now you know it’s not a coincidence that most airplanes are painted white. The colour’s highly-reflective and conspicuous nature combined with the nature of aeroplanes operation, makes them a match made in heaven.