PASSENGERS were stunned when they discovered the real reason planes are nearly always painted white.
Holidaymakers have often pondered the question why aircraft are usually all the same colour.
And, it’s for a good reason, as explained by former pilot Dan Bubb, now a professor at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.
He told Travel and Leisure: “Most airplanes are painted white because the color reflects the sunlight, keeping the planes cooler and minimizing heat damage.”
Since Air France introduced the first ‘Euro-white’ livery in 1976, the all-white fuselage look has become increasingly standard for the world’s airlines
Shea Oakley
It makes sense for the aircraft to reflect the sun as it will cut down on cooling costs.
And, it makes the on-board cabin temperature more comfortable for passengers.
Planes are also subject to more exposure of solar radiation sitting above the clouds, and light-colours help deflect this.
The trend began in the mid 1970s, as most airplanes beforehand were left to take-off with their polished aluminum exterior.
Aviation historian, Shea Oakley, added: “Since Air France introduced the first ‘Euro-white’ livery in 1976, the all-white fuselage look has become increasingly standard for the world’s airlines.”
American Airlines kept the classic aluminum aesthetic until 2013 before following suit with the majority of the industry.
Planes to not have to be all-white, with several companies choosing brighter, and darker colours.
Mango, a fully owned subsidiary of state-owned South African Airways, jets passengers across the world in bright orange aircraft.
Fellow South African company Kulula Air dons a green camo print design.
Hungarian ultra low-cost carrier group, Wizz Air, has a lot of purple on the nose of their aircraft.
Meanwhile, Edelweiss Air, now an affiliate of Swiss Air, is covered in red and blue.
It comes as the secret buttons and handles on planes you may have never noticed have been explained.
According to Conde Nast Traveller, most planes built in the past fifteen years feature an integrated handrail just under the overhead lockers.
If you’ve ever seen a member of cabin crew running their hand along the overhead compartment – what you’ve actually witnessed is them steadying themselves on this “secret” handrail.
There’s also a “secret” button which few air passengers know about, which allows you to lift the armrest on the aisle.
Meanwhile, a flight attendant has revealed the real reason your outfit could get you banned from the plane.
Read more on the Scottish Sun
Plus, a fellow stewardess shared the one packing mistake that could get your plane delayed.
Delays at airports are very common, but there are ways in which passengers can minimise their chances of getting held up.