Untied

Question about United Airlines changing the colors on their aircraft?

I wonder, why did United Airlines switch their colors from gray and blue, to white and different shades of blue? I like the lighter colors though, just curious why the company decided to give their aircraft a new look. To the person who made the 'disguise' remark, I asked the question because I'm an aviation buff. I am interested in those details about airlines, because I sometimes build models and I also go out and 'flight-spot' whenever I can.

Public Comments

1. I have a family member who works for United. The change was made to freshen the image and also as a cost saving measure.
2. IT'S A DISGUISEEE!!!!!!! WATCH OUT WE'RE GONNA HAVE ANOTHER 9/11
3. Maybe for Visibility. I worked for a FBO in the 90's when they changed from the Red, White, and blue to the gray and blue and I almost hit one while driving on the tarmac one night. It blended in real good at night.
4. I agree with the first person. Airlines will make a change to catch the public eye and hopefully attract more customers. As an added bonus, paints now adays have better characteristics than older base paints. They are lighter, have better adhesion qualities, and even have anti-corrosion capabilties!
5. You get a slightly different answer depending on who you ask. However, it has happened in the past that when a company is in difficulties, or just in the financial doldrums, or even if it feels itself under serious threat from rivals, the first thing it does is try to spruce up its image - often by repainting its fleet in a new color-scheme or by commissioning a new logo. It is like putting on a brave face to prove all is well when it ruddy well isn't. So watch this space . . . .