American Airlines - New brand watch!

tREv d. · 10-18-2012, 12:14 PM

Huge topic over at a.net, thought I'd jump it over here too.

It has been confirmed the 1967-born livery is on it's last legs. The current livery is impressive in that it has outlasted so many decades, mergers, and company climbs and falls. It will certainly be sad to see it go!

But I can't help but to also be excited for what branding American Airlines take on. We can only hope it will be a worthy successor!

Here is all that we've got to go on so far:

VIDEO

American Airlines 777 First Flight - YouTube

Here is a post from an Anetter:

Quote:

So I received confirmation from two VERY reliable sources yesterday, that AA is indeed about to unveil a new livery and branding...and both of them had seen the renderings of it.

When I showed them the pics posted here, both of them nodded and grinned looking at each other saying.."yeah..that's the beginning of the paint job but nowhere near complete".

Both of them were sworn to confidentiality and couldn't give me any details. BUT...the only hint I got was that the new livery was RETRO in its approach.

I asked if they liked it....one said they loved it. The other shrugged and said, "it's different. But I'm attached to the old scheme. The new one IS nice though"

N787BA · 10-18-2012, 04:28 PM

I can't believe they are rebranding. Wow, I wonder what's in store for them, are they trying to re-boot themselves as a new American Airlines?

beltloader · 10-18-2012, 04:46 PM

somethings up with AA they will be hiring 1500 new FA's in a months time....hmmmm

tREv d. · 10-18-2012, 05:06 PM

American announced earlier in the year they were highly considering re-branding as they pull out of bankruptcy to revive their brand. What we're seeing now is that the decision has been made and the new brand is on its way.

According to this article, the union is urging AA to go through with the US Airways deal which is becoming a more prominent factor in the "new AA" talks. I think it's possible we'll see US and AA merging with AA being the surviving brand.

American Airlines urged by union to pursue merger [Tulsa World, Okla.] - Businessweek

A merger could possibly explain AA's hiring of 1500 FAs.

CathayPacific · 10-18-2012, 05:54 PM

I think the tail logo will stat same but he font will change and maybe a flag swooshhing around the fusalage.

N787BA · 10-18-2012, 09:30 PM

I bet US Air and AA will merge and we will see this livery as a product of the merger. It'll be interesting...

T7_4ever · 10-18-2012, 10:21 PM

Thanks for posting some great pics T REv d.! I wished they would've painted the 787 and T7-300er in the old silver flake metallic colors of Virgin Atlantic! Would've come somewhat close to the iconic polished A&A livery. Cheers! T7

N. Eberhard · 10-18-2012, 10:41 PM

"New brand watch"...I thought i was going to see a cool watch instead of a plain white 777.

N787BA · 10-18-2012, 10:44 PM

Lmao. You know, I honestly thought the same thing. Lol

tREv d. · 10-18-2012, 11:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by N. Eberhard

"New brand watch"...I thought i was going to see a cool watch instead of a plain white 777.

Meh.

To my defence, it is not a plain white 777. It is light grey/silver with a white accent.

Kozmania · 10-19-2012, 12:28 AM

I absolutely LOVE this! I have many, many friends who work for AA and hope the new hires and new look help give them (and others) a much needed shot in the arm.

Bravo, American.

Thanks for sharing this, tREv!

N787BA · 10-19-2012, 11:00 AM

^ Honestly...as much as I hate to see the old livery go...this is a good thing, and I agree with you, Kozmania. I don't care what they do, merge, partnerships...whatever, as long as the American name stays around, it is and will always be my favorite Airline, Allegiant following close behind.

AirTran Airways 717 · 10-19-2012, 12:22 PM

I'll be interested to see this! I am really sad to see the old livery go, but can't wait to see what they come up with! As long as it's not euro-white...

GARUDA747 · 10-19-2012, 03:20 PM

This one would be great

American Airlines Boeing 787-8 Livery Aviation Design - Modified Airliner Photos

robertjon5 · 10-19-2012, 03:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GARUDA747

This one would be great

American Airlines Boeing 787-8 Livery Aviation Design - Modified Airliner Photos

boring euro white! this old pan am hybrid colour is better. at least it has some colour!!

http://www.diecastaircraftforum.com/...iew-11251.html

GARUDA747 · 10-19-2012, 03:49 PM

Yeah it is pretty boring white but still retained silver and the eagle on the tail keeps its american heritage and kinda looks like a big A

This would be a good patiotic livery to bring the customers back

http://www.cardatabase.net/modifieda...hp?id=00011392

robertjon5 · 10-19-2012, 04:00 PM

This would be a good patiotic livery to bring the customers back

American Airlines Boeing 767-400 Livery Aviation Design - Modified Airliner Photos[/QUOTE]

miles better!!!!!

WestjetterO · 10-19-2012, 05:14 PM

I have pretty high hopes for this new AA Livery. I admit I am going to miss the old one a little. So far this 777 looks promising, it's not polished chrome, but it's a nice tone of grey. And I notice a white stripe on the tail that could possibly be a solid blue or red stripe, but I also hope they add more to the forward fuselage, maybe make the American titles and logo bigger and a different font. I'm excited to see how it turns out, I don't think a new livery has received this much hype in years!

N787BA · 10-19-2012, 05:28 PM

Maybe some metallic silver is in line? I wish they'd go bare metal though...might be changing livery to suit the 787 when they get it, since they can't use bare metal with it.

tREv d. · 10-19-2012, 10:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GARUDA747

This one would be great

American Airlines Boeing 787-8 Livery Aviation Design - Modified Airliner Photos

Why thank you.

NYCAAer · 10-20-2012, 08:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tREv d.

American announced earlier in the year they were highly considering re-branding as they pull out of bankruptcy to revive their brand. What we're seeing now is that the decision has been made and the new brand is on its way.

According to this article, the union is urging AA to go through with the US Airways deal which is becoming a more prominent factor in the "new AA" talks. I think it's possible we'll see US and AA merging with AA being the surviving brand.

A merger could possibly explain AA's hiring of 1500 FAs.

1500 F/As are being hired because 2200 are taking buyout packages offered by the company to retire.

Yes, the unions are pushing for the US Airways merger, but a good number of unionized employees don't really support a merger with them and would rather see the company as a stand-alone carrier, myself included.

KLM B747-400F · 10-21-2012, 03:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GARUDA747

This one would be great

American Airlines Boeing 787-8 Livery Aviation Design - Modified Airliner Photos

This is a very nice livery..

I am qurious about the new colours / livery for AA..

N787BA · 10-21-2012, 11:06 PM

I asked AA about when they think it might be unveiled...they said "pretty soon, we will be sure to post plenty of photos and are anxious to get the new brand out." This was on their Facebook page....can't wait!

NYCAAer · 10-22-2012, 10:18 AM

The anticipation builds... keeping this quiet until it's revealed on the actual 77W is a great way to spark interest in AA, a good marketing tool for what I hope is a renaissance of a once proud airline.

Big Al · 10-22-2012, 10:42 AM

No insider leaks yet..? How dull !

tREv d. · 10-22-2012, 11:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Big Al

No insider leaks yet..? How dull !

They are really keeping this under wraps.

I'm actually impressed no portion of the final, completed design has been leaked anywhere on the net!

N787BA · 10-22-2012, 12:41 PM

Same here....they are doing real well with it. Exciting though, that's for sure.

tREv d. · 10-22-2012, 01:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NYCAAer

1500 F/As are being hired because 2200 are taking buyout packages offered by the company to retire.

Yes, the unions are pushing for the US Airways merger, but a good number of unionized employees don't really support a merger with them and would rather see the company as a stand-alone carrier, myself included.

Thanks for the clarification.

I'm not really sure how US/AA could successfully pull of a merger, when really US and HP still haven't completed their integration in all sectors. Seems like a mess waiting to happen.

N787BA · 10-22-2012, 02:44 PM

I found the new Brand Watch BTW.

N. Eberhard · 10-22-2012, 05:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by N787BA

I found the new Brand Watch BTW.

Nice, but where's the red color?

N787BA · 10-22-2012, 05:24 PM

Good question. They are on the AA Museum Gift Shop's online store. None of them have red.

tREv d. · 10-22-2012, 05:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by N787BA

I found the new Brand Watch BTW.

I bet the watch deliberately stops its hands at the time your flights are supposed to bored to trick you into thinking your flight is on time.

Charles757 · 10-25-2012, 01:17 PM

It would be sad to see American be the truly last remaining airline with bare-metal airliners to give way to an all painted scheme. What's really ridicolous in many of our airline schemes is, simply that there are too many 'billboard' schemes, too much white-dark blue schemes and a few of plain white fuselages with a black tail. Thankfully some airlines in the world use a very decorative and colorful schemes. Sure, it costs more to put more colors of paint and decals, but seriously, if airlines can spend millions of dollars to put high-tech devices in airplane seats and cockpits, then they can surely afford to show bright colorful schemes, such as what airlines did back in the '60s and '70s. There's nothing wrong with white fuselages with colorful stripes going accross windows and also, having a blend of colors that in some cases today truly use colors that make a livery look bright and colorful. What American preserved and is I believe the only airline in history, to never change from a bare-metal scheme to an all painted fuselage livery. When many airlines in the piston era used airliners, many of them were still in a natural metal fuselage with stripes, fancy lettering and tail schemes. Many adopted an all painted fuselages after the jets came in, but American never changed. Of course, lets not forget Aeromexico, Eastern, Allegheny-USAir and in some cases, Lufthansa and for cargo 747s, JAL and Cathay Pacific. I'm sure there are some I left out unintentionally. About American, I always favor the polished bare-metal livery. At least for now, thankfully American's current fleet will for sure continue to fly with a bare-metal image.

gabe4321 · 10-25-2012, 08:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Charles757

It would be sad to see American be the truly last remaining airline with bare-metal airliners to give way to an all painted scheme. What's really ridicolous in many of our airline schemes is, simply that there are too many 'billboard' schemes, too much white-dark blue schemes and a few of plain white fuselages with a black tail. Thankfully some airlines in the world use a very decorative and colorful schemes. Sure, it costs more to put more colors of paint and decals, but seriously, if airlines can spend millions of dollars to put high-tech devices in airplane seats and cockpits, then they can surely afford to show bright colorful schemes, such as what airlines did back in the '60s and '70s. There's nothing wrong with white fuselages with colorful stripes going accross windows and also, having a blend of colors that in some cases today truly use colors that make a livery look bright and colorful. What American preserved and is I believe the only airline in history, to never change from a bare-metal scheme to an all painted fuselage livery. When many airlines in the piston era used airliners, many of them were still in a natural metal fuselage with stripes, fancy lettering and tail schemes. Many adopted an all painted fuselages after the jets came in, but American never changed. Of course, lets not forget Aeromexico, Eastern, Allegheny-USAir and in some cases, Lufthansa and for cargo 747s, JAL and Cathay Pacific. I'm sure there are some I left out unintentionally. About American, I always favor the polished bare-metal livery. At least for now, thankfully American's current fleet will for sure continue to fly with a bare-metal image.

You have to remember, what percentage of the flying public really cares about the color of the airplane. People who like planes care. People who see it as transportation dont in my opinion. So the compaines but the money at least some of it back into the cabin for the comfort and entertainment for the passengers. I agree I would love to see Delta bring back the widget but I also see there reason for the paint scheme they use now. I would rather be comfortable as hell in a lay flat seat with all the electronics then have a neat looking paint scheme with the old style first class seats.

NYCAAer · 10-25-2012, 09:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Charles757

It would be sad to see American be the truly last remaining airline with bare-metal airliners to give way to an all painted scheme. What's really ridicolous in many of our airline schemes is, simply that there are too many 'billboard' schemes, too much white-dark blue schemes and a few of plain white fuselages with a black tail. Thankfully some airlines in the world use a very decorative and colorful schemes. Sure, it costs more to put more colors of paint and decals, but seriously, if airlines can spend millions of dollars to put high-tech devices in airplane seats and cockpits, then they can surely afford to show bright colorful schemes, such as what airlines did back in the '60s and '70s. There's nothing wrong with white fuselages with colorful stripes going accross windows and also, having a blend of colors that in some cases today truly use colors that make a livery look bright and colorful. What American preserved and is I believe the only airline in history, to never change from a bare-metal scheme to an all painted fuselage livery. When many airlines in the piston era used airliners, many of them were still in a natural metal fuselage with stripes, fancy lettering and tail schemes. Many adopted an all painted fuselages after the jets came in, but American never changed. Of course, lets not forget Aeromexico, Eastern, Allegheny-USAir and in some cases, Lufthansa and for cargo 747s, JAL and Cathay Pacific. I'm sure there are some I left out unintentionally. About American, I always favor the polished bare-metal livery. At least for now, thankfully American's current fleet will for sure continue to fly with a bare-metal image.

But, you have to remember the new planes joining the fleet are largely made of carbon fiber composites, and have to be painted. So it makes sense to rebrand so that the fleet matches with the same look.

I always thought the grey tails, engines and wing roots, etc., of the polished aluminum scheme made our planes look patched up. It looked good back in the 1970s on the 707s, 727s, DC-10s and 747s because the tails and engines were all silver. Then along came the 767s, MD-80s and 757s with grey and it was okay, but not as nice as the older jets.

And finally, I think 44 years of one livery is long enough! It's a change that's long overdue. I'm excited and looking forward to it! And from what I'm hearing, it WILL be impressive.

tREv d. · 10-25-2012, 10:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Charles757

It would be sad to see American be the truly last remaining airline with bare-metal airliners to give way to an all painted scheme. What's really ridicolous in many of our airline schemes is, simply that there are too many 'billboard' schemes, too much white-dark blue schemes and a few of plain white fuselages with a black tail. Thankfully some airlines in the world use a very decorative and colorful schemes. Sure, it costs more to put more colors of paint and decals, but seriously, if airlines can spend millions of dollars to put high-tech devices in airplane seats and cockpits, then they can surely afford to show bright colorful schemes, such as what airlines did back in the '60s and '70s. There's nothing wrong with white fuselages with colorful stripes going accross windows and also, having a blend of colors that in some cases today truly use colors that make a livery look bright and colorful. What American preserved and is I believe the only airline in history, to never change from a bare-metal scheme to an all painted fuselage livery. When many airlines in the piston era used airliners, many of them were still in a natural metal fuselage with stripes, fancy lettering and tail schemes. Many adopted an all painted fuselages after the jets came in, but American never changed. Of course, lets not forget Aeromexico, Eastern, Allegheny-USAir and in some cases, Lufthansa and for cargo 747s, JAL and Cathay Pacific. I'm sure there are some I left out unintentionally. About American, I always favor the polished bare-metal livery. At least for now, thankfully American's current fleet will for sure continue to fly with a bare-metal image.

To the average non-aviation enthused person, bare-metal equates to well-fare. As if they didn't have the money to paint the whole plane. I'm not saying that's how I feel, it's not, but these days white space (Not to be confused with euro-white) and other modern techniques are much more eye pleasing and professional on a public level. That's just the latest craze. There will be new crazes, but right now that's what sells.

I'm personally excited about this. I love the current livery. In fact just today I received my first AA model (GJ 757-200 with winglets). Its a very nice model. But it is time to retire the aged livery and give American Airlines a new life.

Just my 2 cents as a junior graphic designer.

N787BA · 10-25-2012, 10:44 PM

What I've always heard is that American Airlines planes look run-down and old because of the Bare-Metal look. I was talking with a friend the other day about this new livery change, he was like "who cares, not like anyone looks at the livery anyway, but the price and the service." We are the only ones who care about the way the planes look...the aviation and plane lovers.

arctic9048 · 10-25-2012, 11:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by N787BA

What I've always heard is that American Airlines planes look run-down and old because of the Bare-Metal look. I was talking with a friend the other day about this new livery change, he was like "who cares, not like anyone looks at the livery anyway, but the price and the service." We are the only ones who care about the way the planes look...the aviation and plane lovers.

The service? Everybody loves to talk about service but the reality is that few actually care at the end of the day. I hear all these whiners complain about a delayed flight and how they will never fly that airline ever again! Worst service ever!!! Yet, as soon as that airline undercuts someone by $5 then they are back on them in a heartbeat.

N787BA · 10-25-2012, 11:27 PM

Ya, but people are always going to complain about the service, the F/As, the flight, whatever, nothing will make them happy.

KLM4me · 10-26-2012, 02:22 AM

I actually like Anthony Harding's mock-up of what could be American's new livery.

UPDATED: American Airlines Set to Get a New Livery Soon | AirlineReporter.com - seattlepi.com

drewhitman69 · 10-26-2012, 02:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by robertjon5

This would be a good patiotic livery to bring the customers back

American Airlines Boeing 767-400 Livery Aviation Design - Modified Airliner Photos

miles better!!!!!

[/QUOTE]

That's so sexy!! Lol. Being a proud american, I love that livery!

StarAllianceFlyer · 10-26-2012, 05:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KLM4me

I actually like Anthony Harding's mock-up of what could be American's new livery.

UPDATED: American Airlines Set to Get a New Livery Soon | AirlineReporter.com - seattlepi.com

That does look good.

tREv d. · 10-26-2012, 06:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KLM4me

I actually like Anthony Harding's mock-up of what could be American's new livery.

UPDATED: American Airlines Set to Get a New Livery Soon | AirlineReporter.com - seattlepi.com

Too AeroMexico in my opinion.

Big Al · 10-26-2012, 05:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KLM4me

I actually like Anthony Harding's mock-up of what could be American's new livery.

UPDATED: American Airlines Set to Get a New Livery Soon | AirlineReporter.com - seattlepi.com

I quite like that, but howabout a metallic silver/aluminium billboard 'American' logo with a small scale red, white and blue cheatline along the base of the letters ?

tREv d. · 10-31-2012, 11:44 AM

The 777-300ER will not be delivered until January 13' now as there are issues with the new First Class Product. Looks like we're in for a bit of a wait.

http://www.flightglobal.com/news/art...launch-378319/