Aer Lingus Rugby Aircraft Design
It’s not everyday you are given the opportunity to design an aircraft livery, so when asked to be involved in redesigning the Aer Lingus rugby aircraft I jumped at the chance. Working with my fellow designer Trish O’Flaherty we explored many design options.
Aer Lingus partners with the IRFU as the ‘official airline of the Irish rugby team’ and the aircraft livery has become an iconic expression of that partnership, flying the Ireland Rugby Team to all of their away games.
The brief asked for a development of the existing design (created by Trish in 2015) to add movement and dynamism into the concept for a distinctive, modern livery that lasts the test of time.
The sweeping teal and green shapes on the fuselage help to create an air of motion along the full length of the aircraft. We then explored how to incorporate the four Irish players as a key visual detail of the new design. The four featured players are Robbie Henshaw, Josh van der Flier, Caelan Doris and Tadhg Furlong.
Selecting the best images included reviewing different shots of the players captured in matches – assessing how the players looked at a set, the sequence of players, their body position and their facial expressions. Showcasing Robbie Henshaw jumping forward scoring a try at the front of the aircraft forms the focal point of the design, the other three players are showing catching or in motion with the ball.
The aircraft was painted over nine days by an extremely talented team in IAC Shannon. We were onsite to review the painting of the aircraft and the application of the huge image player decals. We are delighted with the final result and are very proud to spot it flying in the sky.
Credits:
Aer Lingus Global Head of Sponsorship and Partnerships Mary McGuire
Aer Lingus Senior Sponsorship Manager John-Paul Foy
Aer Lingus Maintenance & Engineering Teams
Livery Paint by IAC with support from Eirtech Aviation Services
Design Partner Trish O'Flaherty
Specialist Retoucher David Norton
Video copyright: Aer Lingus