Your comment makes complete sense. I’ve had to rely on on-screen versions of the livery for two years now, and I can assure you that the difference is remarkable when you see the final product. With a brand as freshly launched as this, very few examples of “the real thing” exist yet, and a single video doesn’t do justice to seeing the livery in person—an experience I hope you’ll have very soon. A few members of our team have been lucky enough to see the first plane carrying the new livery, and all I can say is, it’s appearance and impact are remarkably different in real life.
It’s important to note that the tail was designed under the assumption that these planes would be seen in multiples—moving in and around airports, gates and runways—and the tails would move in and out of each other, with the lines intersecting and almost dancing. The final effect is not one of literal representation, but of abstract expression—an energetic presentation of color and movement that evokes optimism and opportunity.
It’s funny you should mention this: we had an “AA” solution on the table for quite a while. In fact, it was considered a possibility for almost half of this two-year endeavor. But as the project moved on, more and more research came in and it became clear that “AA” simply wasn’t enough. While “AA” is an important part of the company’s visual legacy, it is not a clear, contemporary identifier for everything the company is. Simply put, we didn’t meet anyone flying AA. But we met a world of people flying American.
Today, American Airlines has a special opportunity to live up to its name and to express what it truly means to be a carrier for our country. And with all of the new work that they are doing on the back-end to ensure a more efficient, comfortable and engaging customer experience, keeping “AA” just didn’t feel big enough, proud enough, or strong enough. It is time for American to bare the name that they are so fortunate to carry.
Not sure I get the tail. The red, white, blue and grey pattern is a little busy for me. The fuselage looks good.
Wish the AA logo was kept. The new Tail scheme isnt as “inviting” as AA.
Hi Mark –
Your comment makes complete sense. I’ve had to rely on on-screen versions of the livery for two years now, and I can assure you that the difference is remarkable when you see the final product. With a brand as freshly launched as this, very few examples of “the real thing” exist yet, and a single video doesn’t do justice to seeing the livery in person—an experience I hope you’ll have very soon. A few members of our team have been lucky enough to see the first plane carrying the new livery, and all I can say is, it’s appearance and impact are remarkably different in real life.
It’s important to note that the tail was designed under the assumption that these planes would be seen in multiples—moving in and around airports, gates and runways—and the tails would move in and out of each other, with the lines intersecting and almost dancing. The final effect is not one of literal representation, but of abstract expression—an energetic presentation of color and movement that evokes optimism and opportunity.
Cheers,
R. Marcus Bartlett
Creative Director
Hi Doug –
It’s funny you should mention this: we had an “AA” solution on the table for quite a while. In fact, it was considered a possibility for almost half of this two-year endeavor. But as the project moved on, more and more research came in and it became clear that “AA” simply wasn’t enough. While “AA” is an important part of the company’s visual legacy, it is not a clear, contemporary identifier for everything the company is. Simply put, we didn’t meet anyone flying AA. But we met a world of people flying American.
Today, American Airlines has a special opportunity to live up to its name and to express what it truly means to be a carrier for our country. And with all of the new work that they are doing on the back-end to ensure a more efficient, comfortable and engaging customer experience, keeping “AA” just didn’t feel big enough, proud enough, or strong enough. It is time for American to bare the name that they are so fortunate to carry.
Cheers,
Marcus