Airbus has finally unveiled the winning livery design for its upcoming A350F freighter at the Paris Air Show.
The design was selected after a global competition launched by the aerospace giant in October 2022, when each contestant was given the freedom to express their vision on a 1,000 square metre aircraft livery canvas.
The A350F is a next-generation freighter, designed with sustainability in mind. It is expected to reduce fuel burn and carbon emissions by up to 40% compared to current in-service freighters while offering a superior range and capacity to meet growing next-generation freight demands.
Though the design brief was broad, participants needed to highlight the new, modern aircraft’s potential benefits for global air freight operators and airlines. Out of 4,000 competition entries, the jury selected two similar submissions and combined them as the final winning design.
The first one was created by brothers from Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Both Quinnten (16-years-old) and Ellisten (12-years-old) are passionate about aviation and plan to become pilots.
“I was reading the daily aviation news when the idea of ‘packaging boxes’ suddenly clicked in my head. I sat down with my brother, and we started to bring our concept to life together,” says Quinnten.
Another lucky entry was 57-year-old graphic designer from Dublin, Ireland, John Feehan. He entered the competition under the encouragement of his son, who is also passionate about aviation.
“I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to work with a leader in aviation,” said Feehan.
The winners of the competition will see their design come to life when the first A350F is painted by the end of 2024. They will also receive a limited-edition scale model of the aircraft and a private factory tour to see its first flight.