You have until November 28 to make your livery artist dreams come true.
Calling all aviation enthusiast creatives out there. European aerospace manufacturer Airbus is launching a competition for the livery design of its upcoming freighter version of its latest widebody – the A350F. The competition is open to everyone – professional designers, students, or amateur artists. The winning design will be revealed at the June 2023 International Paris Airshow Le Bourget.
Sky’s the limit
Airbus has set the deadline for submission to November 28, 2022. The company says the contending contributions should consider how this new generation, advanced, modern aircraft can benefit air freight operators and airlines from around the globe. Submissions can be hand drawn or created by any other medium of the artist’s choice. They can be simple or complex, using one color or more. All over a 1000m2 (622mi2) state-of-the-art freighter aircraft canvas. As Airbus states, “the sky is literally the limit.”
The winning cargo aircraft design contribution will be revealed on March 15, 2023. Design experts will work with the winning artist to produce the final livery design, adapted specifically to the plane. With the first flight planned for 2024, this will also be the first time the winner will get to see their creation take to the skies. While new aircraft projects sometimes suffer delays, it is unlikely that a freighter version of an already existing and certified jet will encounter too many obstacles.
The winner of the competition will get to take two trips. The first will be to next year’s Paris Airshow for the reveal, when they will also receive a limited edition scale model. Meanwhile, the second trip will take place in 2024 and will include a visit to Airbus’ final assembly line facilities as well as witnessing the aircraft’s first flight.
A350F customers thus far
The A350F was launched in November 2021 and has thus far assembled 31 orders from customers Etihad Airways (7), Air France-KLM (4), Air Lease Corporation (7), CMA CGM (4), Silky Way West Airlines (2), and Singapore Airlines (7). Airbus says it will reduce fuel burn and, therefore, carbon emissions by up to 40% compared to freighters of similar capacity currently flying (taking aim at the very popular current generation 777F).
This is achieved by its composition, consisting of 70% advanced materials. It is powered by larger and more efficient engines. Rolls-Royce, whose Trent XWB is the only powerplant option for the A350F, sees it as its opportunity to break into the freighter market. Airbus says it will also deliver up to 40% savings in operational costs and require less maintenance.
The jet will be able to carry up to 42 pallets of goods. It will have eight different temperature zones to enable the transport of various goods such as fresh fish, flowers, live horses and pharmaceuticals, including vaccines.
