Dutch airline Corendon has made aviation history with the unveiling of the world’s first fully tattooed commercial aircraft, marking a bold fusion of art and aviation.
In celebration of its 25th anniversary, Corendon Dutch Airlines partnered with renowned tattoo artist Henk Schiffmacher, famous for his work with celebrities like Lady Gaga and Kurt Cobain. Schiffmacher’s signature designs have now made their mark on a Boeing 737, which the airline has named “Sweet Louise” in tribute to Schiffmacher’s wife. The aircraft’s fuselage features an intricate tattoo design that spans nearly 200 square meters.
From Skin to Sky
Schiffmacher, known for his traditional tattoo style, brings a deep nautical influence to the design of Sweet Louise. The tattoo incorporates elements of classic maritime symbolism, with a pirate featured prominently on the aircraft’s engine. Traditionally associated with wanderers of the seas, the pirate is reimagined by Corendon as a heart-shaped symbol, representing the love of travel.
“The design is a tribute to the traveler,” Schiffmacher explained, reflecting on his own experiences as a globe-trotter. “Tattoos are storytellers, and this design encapsulates my years of travel and the diverse people I’ve met along the way.”
A Vision Realized: Art Meets Aviation
The idea of tattooing an entire aircraft came from an inspiring conversation between Corendon CEO Gunay Uslu and Schiffmacher. Uslu was eager to embrace the unique opportunity to combine art and aviation in an unforgettable way.
“As we celebrate our 25th anniversary, we wanted to create something truly memorable that reflects our adventurous spirit,” Uslu said. “This collaboration with Henk Schiffmacher goes beyond aesthetics; it embodies Corendon’s bold identity and our willingness to explore new frontiers. The tattooed aircraft is a symbol of our journey and the connections travel creates.”
A Complex Artistic Undertaking
Translating Schiffmacher’s detailed tattoo design onto an aircraft was no easy task. The process involved scaling the artwork to fit the contours of the plane’s fuselage while maintaining its artistic integrity. Corendon worked closely with aviation and art experts to ensure a flawless result.
“We collaborated with top specialists in both fields to ensure that the design remained true to Schiffmacher’s vision,” said Uslu. “It was a meticulous process, but seeing the final result—a flying masterpiece—was incredibly rewarding.”
The Tattooed Aircraft Takes Flight
Corendon proudly unveiled Sweet Louise at Schiphol-East, and the aircraft is now set to take to the skies, flying on the airline’s most popular holiday routes. Passengers aboard Sweet Louise will enjoy a truly one-of-a-kind travel experience, with the tattooed plane standing as a testament to the limitless possibilities when art and aviation come together.
The unveiling of Sweet Louise marks a new chapter for Corendon, one that creatively celebrates both the airline’s history and the boundless potential of travel and human connection.
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