One wonders whether Barrier Air will adopt a standard scheme....
So which colour scheme would you choose for Barrier Air to adopt as seen on their two Caravans... ... beige or white or something else???
This blog started off by focussing on NZ's smaller 3rd level airlines, past and present. It has evolved to trying to present some record of NZ's domestic airline operations and some of the larger charter operators, interesting NZ international airliner movements and photos I have taken around the country. Comments, corrections or contributions are welcome, Steve - westland831@gmail.com
Too expensive to worry about too much. Perhaps when corrosion sets in from the salty air environment and they get treated for it then worthy of painting.
ReplyDeleteAt the end of the day, the colour has very little to do with the customer decision to travel. Dollar is king on the barrier.
Unlike a lot of earlier model Cessnas the caravan comes from the factory properly primed. SDB is in good shape.
DeleteI hope they one day "grow up" and be like every other "professional" airline in the world with a standard and recognizable livery. Alas we get the impression they are not interested in this sort of positive professional image and prefer to display a mish-mash of hand-me-down liveries in order to save a quick buck. Based off that attitude, one has to wonder what other what other aircraft related expenses they choose save on.
ReplyDeleteAll the best with your own operation mate.
DeleteHaha brilliant response!
DeleteSeriously, why would you strip/modify a perfectly good paint job to make it look better. The opposition operating older twins vs a modern turboprop, thats where you can put the money.
Heck when I fly around NZ I would forget what 'colour' the aeroplane was by the time I got to my seat.
Perhaps my next trip to London, I should think about which coloured aeroplane I should fly in!!
Bravo to Barrier for securing this machine, and may more follow. As Steve mentions, these operators are important for the aviation industry so money must be used wisely.
I'd take 5 brown C208 over 10 matching islanders anyday
So Air NZ has a 'mish mash' of liveries at the moment,based on your comments, are you implying that they are taking shortcuts elsewhere too?
DeleteIt’s funny the original poster uses the words “grow up”. I’d tell him to do the same.
Deletemost 3rd level operators in NZ don’t have matching aircraft. Hell, even propstar are flying around an unpainted dash8 for ages now.
DeleteForget 3rd level every airline flying within NZ has mishmash liveries.
DeleteThe unpainted Q300 is no longer with JQ.
DeleteYes, I have to agree... I am in awe in the likes of Barrier Air, Sunair, Golden Bay and the other small airlines who are trying to fill a niche in New Zealand... from my armchair perspective it is becoming harder and harder to operate a small airline, and these small airlines are the nursery bed for Air NZ and Jetstar's pilots. Personally I like the new scheme... but I understand the costs Barrier Air have for Airways, security, CAA levies, OSH etc... If we are not careful levies will make small airlines extinct
ReplyDeleteIn aviation, it definitely comes down to the cost but, for any business.. Having a decent livery, an identity a visual advertisement is important and it does go a long way in regards to marketing your business and making it stand out from the others. When you are at Auckland airport, GBA just looks like some generic GA aircraft taking off or landing. Go to Wellington and you see the difference.. Sounds air and even Golden bay air lighten up the skies.
ReplyDeleteFor GBA to have something simple and visual can make a difference. Something that could potentially put them ahead of Fly my sky. Sounds air has managed to find the cash to have a uniform fleet for their fleet of 10 and its a wonderful livery.
You can either be a corporate airline and not need a standout livery such as sun air but I dont think GBA is a corporate airline suiting for the business needs, its a airline promoting the Barrier Islands as a destination one wants to go to and having a standout livery would make a statement of that.
FMS spent alot of money rebranding a few years back. It's not measurably changed the scope of their business.
DeleteHaving dealt with GBA in a previous life, the customers want a good price and a comfy ride. They loved the PA31 for its comparative comfort and speed. The colour of the aeroplane is going to have no effect at all on customer base period.
Chats is an example where its appropriate as they appear to be going after the Charter market, so image has alot to do with that.
People often comment that Caravans are an excellent option for 135 operations. I would ask how do you bridge the gap between operating a 10 seat piston twin such an islander for around $550 per hour when a caravan is going to cost you $950 with only 3 extra seats? (Approximate costs to operate) This $400 is the difference between a viable business and a trip to the bankruptcy court.
ReplyDelete