Forgotten Airlines With Iconic Liveries
From Pan Am to Hooters Air — A Visual Nostalgia Trip
Before every plane started looking like a sleek silver tube with minimalist branding, airlines weren’t just transportation — they were flying fashion statements.
Big, bold, and unforgettable, these now-defunct airlines once ruled the skies with iconic liveries that turned airport runways into runways of style.
So grab your boarding pass to the past — it’s time for a high-flying throwback to the most unforgettable airline looks you can’t book anymore.
1. Pan Am: The Gold Standard of Jet-Age Cool
Era: 1927–1991
Look: White fuselage, blue globe tail, all-caps PAN AM logo
No airline says “golden age of air travel” like Pan American World Airways. It was the first to fly 747s, offer onboard fine dining, and made international flying aspirational. Its globe logo and clean blue-and-white livery became the global symbol of prestige.
Fun Fact: The Pan Am brand was so strong, it outlived the airline — reappearing in movies, fashion, and even a short-lived TV series.
2. Hooters Air: Yes, It Was Real
Era: 2003–2006
Look: Bright orange and white, with the iconic owl logo
Yes, Hooters Air was a real airline — launched by the restaurant chain to shuttle golfers and curious travelers to Myrtle Beach. The flights featured two Hooters Girls onboard (in uniform) for hospitality, not safety duties.
It may have been short-lived, but the livery? Unforgettable.
3. Eastern Air Lines: The “Silver Falcon” of the East
Era: 1926–1991
Look: Shiny metallic fuselage, deep blue cheatline, falcon logo
Eastern was one of the original giants of U.S. aviation, famous for its shimmering polished-metal look and “Wings of Man” campaign. Their falcon logo perched proudly on tails across the East Coast and Caribbean.
4. Braniff International: Bold, Bright, and Banana Yellow
Era: 1930–1982
Look: Wild color palettes (orange! turquoise! lemon yellow!), mid-century font
Braniff didn’t just paint planes — they commissioned fashion designers, furniture makers, and artists to reinvent the flying experience. The planes were so colorful they were dubbed the "End of the Plain Plane.”
5. Wardair Canada: Maple-Leaf Chic
Era: 1953–1989
Look: Bold red and white with a script-style logo
Before it was absorbed into Canadian Airlines, Wardair was known for its high-end service and striking maple-leaf branding. Its fleet was small but mighty — and passengers remember the personalized care and gourmet meals, even in economy.
6. BOAC (British Overseas Airways Corporation)
Era: 1939–1974 (merged into British Airways)
Look: Dark blue and white with a golden speedbird logo
The predecessor to British Airways, BOAC's design felt straight out of a Bond movie. Its sleek “Speedbird” logo — later adapted by BA was the epitome of mid-century modern aviation elegance.
Final Approach: When Liveries Had Personality
In today’s world of sleek gradients and minimalist tail designs, these classic liveries stand out more than ever. They were works of art, marketing statements, and national symbols — all painted onto aluminum.