Dutch airline Corendon has etched its name in the annals of both aviation and art history by unveiling the world’s first fully tattooed aircraft.
In celebration of the airline’s 25th anniversary, Corendon Dutch Airlines collaborated with the globally acclaimed tattoo maestro, Henk Schiffmacher.
Schiffmacher’s indelible artistry has made him renowned for his work on icons such as Lady Gaga and Kurt Cobain. He has now transferred his unique vision onto the vast canvas of a commercial jet.
The airline christened the Boeing 737 “Sweet Louise” in a tribute to Schiffmacher’s wife. It now sports a captivating tattoo design that sprawls across nearly 200 square meters of its fuselage.
This airborne artwork serves as a powerful and visually striking homage to the spirit of travel and exploration.
From Skin to Sky
Henk Schiffmacher’s signature traditional tattoo style renders the intricate design adorning Sweet Louise, deeply rooting it in classic nautical symbolism. This ambitious project marks a significant milestone for Corendon. It also stands as a monumental testament to Schiffmacher’s enduring artistic legacy. It extends his creative reach from the realm of skin to the sky.
“The design is fundamentally a tribute to the traveler,” explains Schiffmacher with characteristic passion. “The prominent tattoo on the aircraft’s engine depicts a pirate, traditionally the quintessential wanderer of the seas.:
“For Corendon, this symbol has been playfully transformed into a heart shape, representing the love of travel. Tattoos, at their core, are storytellers, and this particular design encapsulates my own decades spent traversing the globe. I’ve forged connections with people from diverse backgrounds.”
“It embodies the essence of movement, the power of human connection, and the innate human desire to explore the world around us. I am immensely proud that this artwork will now soar through the skies, carrying this message far and wide.”
When Art Meets Aviation
An engaging conversation between Corendon’s CEO, Gunay Uslu, and Henk Schiffmacher sparked the audacious idea of tattooing an entire aircraft. Uslu enthusiastically embraced the unprecedented opportunity to seamlessly fuse the worlds of art and aviation in a truly unforgettable manner.
“As we commemorate Corendon’s 25th anniversary, our ambition was to create something truly bold, memorable, and reflective of our core identity.”
“This remarkable collaboration with Henk Schiffmacher transcends mere visual appeal; it powerfully symbolizes Corendon’s adventurous spirit and our inherent willingness to venture beyond conventional paths.”
“This tattooed aircraft stands as a vibrant tribute to our origins and our remarkable journey. It beautifully illustrates how travel, much like art, possesses the profound ability to narrate compelling stories. It fosters unexpected connections between people.”
Translating Tattoo to Airframe
The process of translating Schiffmacher’s intricate tattoo design onto the aircraft’s surface was a complex and demanding undertaking.
The artwork required meticulous scaling to perfectly conform to the aircraft’s unique contours. They completed the process without compromising its artistic integrity or visual impact.
“We collaborated closely with leading experts in both aviation and art. This ensured that the design’s integrity was meticulously preserved throughout the application process,” explains Uslu.
“It was an incredibly detailed and demanding process, but witnessing the final result, this magnificent flying artwork, has been immensely rewarding for everyone involved.”
Conclusion
The airline proudly unveiled Sweet Louise, the world’s first fully tattooed aircraft at Schiphol-East. This extraordinary aircraft will soon grace the skies, operating on Corendon’s most popular holiday routes.
Passengers aboard Sweet Louise are in for a truly unique and unforgettable travel experience. The eye catching work of art is testament to the boundless possibilities when creativity takes flight.
