As the holiday season takes to the skies, airlines worldwide embrace the festive spirit with dazzling Christmas-themed liveries on their aircraft. These unique designs not only delight passengers but also bring festive cheer to airports around the globe. Here, we take a closer look at the top three Christmas liveries adorning commercial airliners in 2024.
1. Finnair’s Nordic Wonderland
Finnair, renowned for its sleek Scandinavian aesthetics, has outdone itself this year with its “Nordic Wonderland” livery. Inspired by Lapland, the magical home of Santa Claus, the aircraft features an intricate design of reindeer prancing through snow-laden forests under the Northern Lights. The fuselage is wrapped in shades of icy blue and silver, punctuated by glistening snowflakes. Passengers stepping onboard are greeted with festive decorations and Nordic-themed inflight treats, including gingerbread cookies and hot glöggi.
2. Qantas’ Flying Christmas Tree
Australia’s Qantas has brought a touch of the Southern Hemisphere’s summer holiday spirit with its “Flying Christmas Tree” design. This vibrant livery features a towering Christmas tree adorned with native Australian flora, such as wattle blossoms and eucalyptus leaves, intertwined with sparkling fairy lights. The airline’s iconic kangaroo logo dons a festive red-and-white Santa hat. Onboard, passengers enjoy a selection of holiday-themed meals, including pavlova with seasonal fruits and mince pies.
3. Alaska Airlines’ Holiday Lights Express
Alaska Airlines has lit up the skies with its “Holiday Lights Express” livery, which captures the essence of a cozy Christmas village. The aircraft is painted with scenes of snow-covered houses, cheerful snowmen, and strings of twinkling holiday lights. The tail showcases a glowing star atop a fir tree, symbolizing the joy of the season. Inside, Alaska Airlines enhances the festive experience with carol sing-alongs, Christmas movie marathons, and specially curated hot cocoa bars.
The Impact of Festive Liveries
Holiday-themed liveries have become a cherished tradition in the aviation industry, not just for their visual appeal but also for the sense of wonder and excitement they evoke among passengers. Airlines leverage these designs to create memorable travel experiences, foster brand loyalty, and spread seasonal joy across continents.
As these Christmas-themed aircraft take flight, they remind us that the magic of the holidays transcends borders, bringing people together in the spirit of celebration. Whether you’re spotting these planes from the tarmac or enjoying their festive offerings onboard, these liveries are sure to brighten your holiday season.
Got a livery you love that we’ve missed off the list? Share them with us in the comments below!