According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), there were around 3.77 billion flights in 2016. These numbers are staggering considering this is nearly double the number compared to just 12 years ago; this is also equivalent to half of the world’s population.
To combat the growing demand, there have been new airlines introduced in recent years such as the double-decker Airbus A380 and Boeing’s 787 Dreamliner.
Ever wondered why are planes white? Here are the reasons; the colour white is easier to spot any defects on the airline. Looking at the sky, you’ll be hard pressed not to find a plane flying over or to find a trail of contrails. But ever wondered why they are actually white?
Why are planes white?
There are a few important reasons why planes are white.
The colour is to do with thermal advantages, safety and financial reasons.
Ever wondered why are planes white? Here are the reasons
Like wearing a white top or t-shirt, white colour provides a thermal advantage, and this can be applied to planes too.
White reflects sunlight, and reflects almost all the light that falls on it, unlike other colours, which absorb some of the light.
This is better as it prevents the plane from overheating and takes a shorter time to cool down when it is stationary on the ground after a flight.
There are also safety reasons too as white is easier to inspect cracks and dents on the fuselage.
White is also beneficial as it can show corrosion marks and oil leak spots easily.
White is also better for visual purposes if the plane is the unfortunate scenario of being in a body of water.
Over time, darker colours also tend to fade whilst being in the air due to atmospheric conditions.
