Why do airlines prefer painting their aircraft white? It’s about more than tradition. Explore how white paint helps reflect heat, makes cracks easier to spot, saves money on fuel, and keeps planes safer.

When you look around at an airport, one thing quickly stands out – most airplanes are painted white. Whether it’s a small domestic flight or a massive international jetliner, chances are it will have a white body with just the airline’s name and logo painted on it. When we think about it this seems like a coincidence but there are many practical reasons behind this approach.

Painting an aircraft is not just about looks. It is also about safety, cost and even passenger comfort. The white colour is the most reliable option for aeroplanes and that is why it has become the industry standard. Here is why this colour is used on almost every airline.

Why are Airplanes Painted White?

1. Reflects Heat Better

Airplanes cruise at quite high altitudes and also sit under the sun for many hours a day which can increase the temperature. That is why white colour is used because it reflects away most of the sunlight. Just like wearing a white shirt in summer keeps you cooler than wearing a black one, painting an airplane white helps reflect sunlight and heat.

A darker airplane tends to absorb more heat in comparison to a white airplane. This makes it harder and more expensive to keep the cabin cool as there will be an increased workload on the fuel usage and airplane’s air conditioning system. By using white paint, airlines can reduce unnecessary energy consumption and costs. The Menkor Aviation mentions: “You can compare the effect of white on the warming up of the cabin to wearing a white t-shirt in summer, it is always warmer when wearing a dark colored t-shirt. You can also compare the effect of white on a plane’s fuselage to applying sunscreen to your skin on a sunny day. White, because it best reflects solar radiation, helps minimize potential damage.”

2. Easier to Spot Cracks and Damage

Safety is the number one priority in aviation, and painting planes white actually helps in that area. White makes it much easier to notice cracks, oil leaks, or any other kind of surface damage during inspections.

If the airplane were painted in dark colours, detecting small structural issues would be more difficult, which could lead to safety risks. Since every aircraft undergoes regular maintenance checks, having a white surface makes the job faster, easier, and safer.

3. Prevents Paint from Fading Quickly

Airplanes are known to face very harsh weather conditions which can range from scorching heat from sunlight to cold weathers. Moreover, they face high altitude pressures as well which can make other colours fade or peel off quite easily.

White, on the other hand, holds up better. It doesn’t fade as quickly, meaning the aircraft looks cleaner and newer for longer. Airlines save money by avoiding frequent paint touch-ups or complete repainting jobs. The Menkor Aviation states: “Airplanes are exposed to a variety of intense atmospheric and weather conditions. Ice, wind, rain and regular temperature changes deteriorate their paint.”

“Colored paints fade faster than white, causing them to lose all aesthetic appeal in the eyes of passengers. Companies then have to repaint their planes at a colossal cost. Painting typically takes one to two weeks, during which time the plane is grounded and does not generate revenue. The cost of the procedure is between $150,000 and $300,000 for an airliner. Moreover, a new paintwork is an additional weight for the aircraft. It can add up to an additional 550 kg to the plane. Weight increases fuel consumption and reduces the profit margin for airlines,” it adds.

4. Better for Aircraft Resale Value

Airplanes are a very huge investment and it is very obvious that airlines often sell or lease these giants to various other carriers. If an airplane is painted in a bright or unique color, the new buyer would have to repaint it before using it, which costs both money and time.

While on the other hand, a white airplane is like a blank canvas and new owners can simply add their logos without spending a huge amount on repainting.

5. Easier to Spot in the Sky and During Emergencies

White is one of the most visible colours and it can be seen easily in sky as well as on the ground. This visibility helps in avoiding collisions and improves overall safet. Moreover, if there is an emergency, a white aircraft is quite easier to spot as other colours blend in quite easily with the surroundings.

In conclusion, white paint helps airlines save money, improves safety and it makes planes easier to maintain. While colorful planes may catch our eye from time to time, white remains the smart, practical choice that keeps the aviation industry flying smoothly.

The High-speed trains are transforming travel, turning long journeys into quick and comfortable rides. From Japan’s iconic Shinkansen to China’s record-breaking Maglev, these engineering marvels showcase the perfect mix of speed, technology, and convenience. In India, the Vande Bharat Express has emerged as the fastest train in 2024, reaching up to 180 km/h, though it usually operates at 160 km/h.

Meanwhile, countries like Germany, Italy, France, Spain, China, and Japan continue to expand their advanced rail networks, with trains that regularly cross the 300 km/h mark. Let’s have a quick look at the 10 fastest trains in the world that are redefining rail travel.

1. Shanghai Maglev Top Speed

The Shanghai Maglev Train (SMT), also called the Shanghai Transrapid, is China’s fastest commercial train and the fastest in the world. Reaching speeds of up to 286 mph (460 km/h), it links Shanghai Pudong International Airport with the city center in just a few minutes.

2. CR Harmony Top Speed

The Harmony train series, introduced in 2007 through international collaboration, was commissioned by China’s Ministry of Railways. It played a crucial role in laying the foundation for the country’s next generation of high-speed trains and went on to inspire the development of the Fuxing series. Operating in China, the Harmony trains can reach a top speed of 350 km/h.

3. CR Fuxing Top Speed

The Fuxing series, designed by CRRC Changchun and manufactured by CRRC Qingdao Sifang, is China’s first fully homegrown family of high-speed trains. Known for combining speed, efficiency, and advanced rail technology, it stands among the world’s most sophisticated train models, with a top speed ranging from 350 to 400 km/h.

4. DB Intercity-Express 3 (ICE 3) Top Speed

The ICE 3, developed by Siemens and Bombardier, has been in service with Deutsche Bahn since 2000. Renowned for its comfort and efficiency, it operates on domestic routes across Germany as well as international connections to neighboring European countries, reaching a top speed of 330 km/h.

5. SNCF TGV Top Speed

France’s TGV, jointly developed by Alstom and the national rail operator SNCF, has been a pioneer in European high-speed travel. Initially powered by gas turbines, it was redesigned to run on electricity after the 1973 oil crisis, solidifying its reputation as a symbol of French engineering. The train reaches a top speed of 320 km/h.

6. JR Shinkansen Top Speed

Japan’s Shinkansen, widely known as the bullet train, transformed global rail travel when it was introduced in 1964. Built to connect distant cities with Tokyo’s economic hub, it quickly became the standard for speed, safety, and punctuality. Today, it continues to serve as a global benchmark in high-speed rail, with a top speed of 320 km/h.

7. ONCF Al Boraq Top Speed

Morocco’s Al Boraq, launched in 2018 after almost ten years of planning, is Africa’s first high-speed train. Built in partnership between Morocco’s ONCF and France’s Alstom, it connects Tangier and Casablanca in less than two hours, with a top speed of 320 km/h.

8. Renfe AVE Class 103 Top Speed

It is part of the Alta Velocidad Española (AVE) service, has been running since 2007. Operated by Renfe, it links major Spanish cities at very high speeds, often making train travel more convenient than domestic flights. The Class 103 can reach a top speed of 310 km/h.

9. Korail KTX-Sancheon Top Speed

The KTX-Sancheon, developed in 2008 and launched in 2010, is operated by South Korea’s Korail and SR Corporation. It is the backbone of the country’s high-speed rail network, connecting major cities efficiently. The train can reach a top speed of 305 km/h.

10. Trenitalia Frecciarossa 1000 (ETR1000) Top Speed

The train is built in 2013 through a joint venture between Bombardier Transportation (now Alstom) and Hitachi Rail Italy, is the fastest train in Italy. With its sleek design and luxurious interiors, it connects major cities like Rome, Milan, and Naples at speeds of up to 360 km/h.

Most of us are familiar with the usual list of restricted items to never carry in your cabin baggage, including firearms, knives, scissors, flammable materials, and weapons of any kind. A reasonable list, according to most. But if you’re travelling to or via Singapore, you may be in trouble for carrying unassuming items that are part of your daily lifestyle. A harmless pack of chewing gum or a pet goldfish could lead to problems. Singapore’s immigration laws are notoriously stringent and it’s important to familiarise yourself with them when visiting the country. For official guidelines, check the updated list of rules and regulations. Here are the do’s and don’ts of packing for Singapore.

Things you shouldn’t carry while travelling to Singapore

Chewing gum

Everywhere else, chewing gum means fresh breath, oral hygiene, or blowing bubbles for fun. But in Singapore, it means a S$100,000 fine and up to two years in prison. Singapore’s ban on the sale, import and manufacture of chewing gum has been in place since 1992, for a number of reasons including litter and vandalism. You cannot have any chewing gum on you even while transiting through the country.

Copyrighted material

If your planned in-flight entertainment includes TV shows and movies downloaded off of the internet illegally, you may want to stick to reading. Singapore enforces a strict ban on any reproduction of copyrighted material and the punishment could include fines up to S$100,000 and imprisonment of up to 5 years.

Nicotine and tobacco of any kind

Smoking isn’t illegal in Singapore, but is highly discouraged. Cigarettes are banned in a large number of public areas, and the country has the lowest rate of tobacco consumption in Southeast Asia. You will need to declare tobacco products when entering Singapore at the Red Channel at customs. You will also need to pay two sets of taxes-duty and GST-depending on the volume of tobacco you are carrying

If you are found in possession of tobacco or nicotine products, you need to declare them and pay two sets of taxes-duty and GST.

Live birds or fish

If you have a pet goldfish or a friendly parakeet you intend on travelling with to Singapore, you will need several licences and approvals beforehand. We suggest you go through the detailed guidelines.

Medicines

Some of your personal medication may contain prohibited ingredients, so before packing, do a quick check if yours checks all the right boxes. If you intend to bring in more than 3 months’ worth of personal medication, you will need prior approval.

More than 5kg of seafood or processed food

If you’re planning to fill your suitcase with frozen seafood or processed meals, think again. You are allowed to carry up to 5 kgs of seafood products, out of which a maximum of 2 kg of frozen cooked crabmeat and frozen cooked prawn meat is allowed. You are allowed a maximum of 30 eggs, no more than that, and only a handful of fruit and vegetables. Processed food cannot exceed 5 kgs or 5 litres. These regulations are designed keeping food safety guidelines in mind.

Staying healthy while traveling requires conscious effort. Prioritize hydration with clean water, and be cautious about food to avoid illness. Adequate rest is crucial for immunity and recovery. Pack a medical kit for minor issues, dress appropriately for the weather, and avoid contact with sick individuals. Practicing respiratory etiquette and staying active are also essential for a healthy trip.

While one is travelling, they are often more eager to explore new places, cultures, and experiences, but in the need to explore anything and everything, health gets left behind and we get sick on the trip. To avoid such situations, which turn into a mood spoiler, it is important to adopt certain habits to ensure that you stay fit while travelling.

Stay Hydrated

One should properly hydrate their body while travelling, as flights or journeys can easily dehydrate you because of increased physical activity. It is very important to drink clean and safe water to maintain the fluid balance in your body. Avoid caffeine and alcohol as they greatly contribute to dehydration while travelling.

Be Careful with Food and Water

It is important to make sure that the food you consume is fit for consumption and is not contaminated with bacteria or viruses, as it can lead to foodborne diseases. Prefer freshly cooked meals and avoid raw or undercooked items, especially from street vendors in areas with poor hygiene. Drinking bottled water is also a must.

Get Enough Rest

While travelling, our usual routine often gets affected. It is important to sleep for proper hours and with a calm mind, as it is critical for our immune function, mental alertness, and physical recovery.

Prioritize getting enough rest through a proper sleep schedule and take short naps as well if needed.

Carry Medications

The most important thing to carry while travelling is a medical kit that will help you address minor ailments or injuries. One should keep general medications such as pain relievers, fever reducers, antacids, anti-diarrheal drugs, motion sickness pills, and any personal prescriptions, as well as keep hand sanitizer, antiseptic wipes, and bandages to manage cuts or scrapes promptly.

Dress According to the Weather

While looking our best is important too, it does not mean not prioritizing your health. Dress appropriately according to the weather to prevent climate-based illness. Wear light clothes in hot weather and layer properly when in rain-prone or cold areas. Use insect repellent in areas prone to mosquito-borne diseases to prevent bites and infections.

Avoid Close Contact with Sick People

Do not come in close contact with people with any kind of illness, as it could spread to you through coughs, sneezes, or close conversations. It is important to maintain a safe distance from individuals showing any symptoms of illness. In crowded places like airports or public transport, wearing masks may provide additional protection.

Practice Respiratory Etiquette

One should definitely follow basic etiquette like covering your mouth while sneezing or coughing to prevent spreading infectious droplets. Practicing this etiquette protects others and helps reduce the overall transmission of respiratory infections in public settings.

Stay Active

It is important that one keeps moving and avoids sitting for longer periods, as it reduces blood circulation and increases the risk of muscle stiffness. One should walk and stretch their legs periodically to stimulate blood flow and reduce discomfort.