Time for a game of spot the difference! An authority in livery design (and a good friend of ours here at thedesignair.net), Remy Chevarin, has created a very elegant alternative solution to the new livery for Air New Zealand which we showcased (and liked) when it was released back in June. Perhaps it will take you a minute to spot the differences between the two images above, but when you do, we believe you will be more drawn to the one on the right (The alternative design).
The more pleasing, albeit subtle, change actually helps make the whole design breathe a little more and feel more considered. The two logos (read our original post to work out how the livery was pieced together) which are trying to work together, now sit comfortably in harmony, with a correct visual hierarchy, Air New Zealand, being the more dominant of the two. This was evident in Mr. Chevarin’s reasoning, “For me the most important piece is the symbol – The Silver Fern – the icon that touches Kiwis body and soul, the fact that it belongs to TNZ is secondary in the message.” The problem that now becomes apparent in hindsight, is the fact the livery had to be adapted to fit the logo in it’s original context onto the plane, requiring a solid monochromatic background for the logo to work. Whilst the Tourism New Zealand silver fern logo has had to be compromised, the essence of the 20 year old logo actually still exists, and in many ways, works better.
Most likely by a happy coincidence, the new livery design, actually has created some beautiful shapes when viewed from below or above, creating a wonderfully organic looking pattern on the empennage of the plane (you’ll see this better in this video link). One thing we are less sure of are the silver nacelles, whilst it sports the 100% New Zealand tag, which is a nice touch, the nacelles when purely silver will quickly become dirty, especially around the reverser section, and will have the effect of making the engines look older than they actually are. Especially on the 787, when these nacelles are so big, this only draws the attention to them further. In our opinion, black nacelles would perhaps have been better options, balancing out the weight of the tail section and harmonising the entire outfit.
Still, Mr. Chevarin has managed to show how even the most simple and elegant changes can make the difference between a good design and an effortless one. Sadly, even though these designs have been put on the desks of Air New Zealand decision makers, don’t expect to see this beautiful livery on the roll out, as they are sticking with their original designs. What do you think, which do you like better?
TheDesignAir 
do agree. The new ANZ livery is not subtle like the feeling and service of this company. I had a pleasure to fly ANZ a few times and always enjoyed its lovely transpacific premium service. Also liked NZ’s previous livery. The new one (shown on the left) is not my favourite. The one you proposed is much better.
subtle change, that personally makes a huge difference. For sure prefer the one on the right !!
The “amended” livery is gorgeous. Before reading your copy my first thoughts were “the right one is lighter and fresher.” A subtle hand can make all of the difference. Beautifully done.
excellent the alternative one, even with white engines, and if the white leaves of the fern are painted silver it would be nicer still.
your good – very good / Steve
Interesting how a subtle change can turn a dreadful livery into a beautiful one.
My Good!! Here you can see the difference between design & DESIGN
Congratulations Remy!
A beautiful design. It is light in feeling, bold in character. Obviously Mr. Chevarin understands the importance of both in representing both the country and the company in this logo. One can only hope that Air New Zealand sees the beauty and energy this design obviously represents and can incorporate it into their future changes for their livery.
If there is one designer in the world who we, as team Lila Design based in the Netherlands, adore the most than it is Mr. Remy Chevarin. Sometimes we don’t understand airlines’ management decisions either. This Air New Zealand livery design improvement proposal of Mr. Chevarin cannot be ignored, simply because it’s perfect compared with the new livery design which ANZ is operating now. It would suit Air New Zealand to admit that, to go only for the best and to change the current painted plane(s) to this wonderful subtle change A.S.A.P. We cannot think about any excuse not to change it to the best. Wake up Air New Zealand and wash the sleep out of your eyes or are you blind?
Reblogged this on liladesignassociates.
Wow, you’ve managed to revive a very budget/low cost carrier livery design with a crisp, clean and gracefully elegant revision. I almost regret watching this knowing I wont see this lovely canvas in our skies anytime soon.
This would have been an eye catcher for all the right reasons. Boo Air Nz
Someone at NZ should wake up and stop butchering the planes with those silly hobbit liveries…yuk yuk. The new livery is dull at best. Remy’s version is NZ only chance to revive their branding. As they are now, the fern and the koru just don’t fit together. The rear of the fuselage is unbalanced and clumsy. Remy’s subtle change makes a huge difference and is so pleasing to the eyes. What if the black centre line of the fern was lined up with the edge of the tail, providing continuity in the design and a better blend of the tail into the rear of the fuselage….just a thought…..
The alternate design is heaps nicer – the original is too busy!
painting planes cost a lot of money, takes about 300 to 400 kgs to just paint one widebody aircraft,
and the downtime required….and as some planes are leased, the paint change has to be minimal,
as when the plane is returned, stripping and repainting everything is very costly….I think most airline management people do like new designs, but its the cost and time…..remember drawing something nice on a piece of paper or computer screen is easy than painting a whole fleet of planes weighing over 300 tones.
I disliked AirNZ’s change from teal to black, and the crude cut-and-paste job around the fern looks cheap and awful.
Mr. Chevarin’s modified livery is a big improvement, though I would keep the nacelles from the current design. I hope AirNZ is listening.
I like both colour schemes, the one on the right does look better however the scheme they have chosen is 100 times more visually stunning than their old white/turquoise colours. I saw their new coloured 777-300 arrive at Heathrow a while ago against a clear blue sky and the livery looked awesome! Their new 787-900 is painted in an all black scheme and that looks just amazing!!
Alternative design is an improvement and aesthetically works better.
Much prefer the original teal koru design….it was the world leader. The black fuselage looks like a flying bomb!
The new one is much better, but of course it’s still two ideas with the koru and fern competing. Air New Zealand should ditch the koru and run the fern up the tail – it’s the perfect shape for it. Then we’d have a design to rival the elegant simplicity of the Qantas flying kangaroo.