How airlines turn their planes into flying billboards: from painted Pokémon to a mural of 100,000 faces
Business Insider
February 23, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Turkish Airlines recently unveiled a one-of-a-kind Airbus A350 featuring the faces of 100,000 employees, creating a striking flying billboard to celebrate its 500th aircraft. This innovative approach to branding highlights how airlines use liveries to showcase their identity and attract attention in the skies. By using high-grade aviation stickers instead of paint, Turkish Airlines reduced costs and installation time while maintaining durability and visual appeal.
The project took nearly a year, with 300 pounds of material applied over five days. The decals were carefully adjusted to match the airline's signature colors—white, red, and black—and everything was done in-house by multiple teams. This method is more efficient than traditional painting, which can take weeks longer and cost significantly more. Airlines often choose decals for their lighter weight, faster installation, and ease of updating designs.
Precision was key in applying the intricate facial images across the curved surface of the plane. Ensuring alignment and durability required detailed planning, 3D modeling, and careful placement around doors and windows. The decals are protected by a clearcoat to withstand extreme conditions like UV exposure, engine exhaust, and de-icing fluids. This level of detail ensures the livery remains intact during flights.
Unique liveries have become a powerful marketing tool for airlines, generating social media buzz and customer engagement. Turkish Airlines' project, for example, has inspired employees to search for their faces on the plane, akin
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Originally published on Business Insider on 2/23/2026