#Netherlands #Corendon Airlines #Henk Schiffmacher #Tattoo Art #Badhoevedorp

Corendon Airlines Introduces the First Fully Tattooed Aircraft

April 9, 2025, marks a significant milestone in the realm of aviation and art as Corendon Dutch Airlines proudly showcases the world’s inaugural fully tattooed aircraft. This unique airplane, affectionately named Sweet Louise, represents not only a bold leap for the airline but also a tribute to creativity and wanderlust, skillfully merging the worlds of travel and art into a flying masterpiece.

A Collaboration with a Legend

To celebrate its 25th anniversary, Corendon partnered with Henk Schiffmacher, a renowned tattoo artist famous for inking high-profile personalities including Lady Gaga and Kurt Cobain. Inspired by classic nautical motifs, the tattoo design spans nearly 200 square meters and covers most of the aircraft’s fuselage. The central theme tells a story of exploration and adventure, embodying the airline’s ethos of connecting people across the globe.

Schiffmacher describes his work as a transcendent form of storytelling: “The tattoo adorning the engine depicts a pirate, symbolizing freedom and an eternal journey. This artwork captures my own experiences of traversing the globe and meeting diverse individuals, reflecting the essence of travel.” The tattoo's design is not only an artistic expression but also a heartfelt message about the joy of discovery and openness to the world.

Bringing Art to the Skies

The idea for this innovative project originated in a conversation between Corendon’s CEO, Gunay Uslu, and Schiffmacher. Uslu was thrilled by the concept, embracing the opportunity to realize Schiffmacher’s dream of tattooing an entire aircraft. “We wanted to create something unprecedented for our silver anniversary—an eye-catching symbol of who we are as a company. This collaboration perfectly encapsulates our adventurous spirit and our desire to enthrall our passengers with unforgettable experiences,” Uslu explained.

The creative journey wasn’t without its challenges; scaling the intricately detailed design to fit the aircraft's contours while ensuring its aesthetic integrity required the expertise of both aviation and art professionals. “It was essential that we kept the design intact during application, which demanded careful precision,” Uslu noted. The final result, however, has brought immense satisfaction to the team.

A One-of-a-Kind Experience

Unveiled at Schiphol-East, Sweet Louise is set to grace Corendon's most popular holiday routes, promising passengers an exceptional flying experience. This will not merely be a flight; it will be a celebration of art and travel, inspiring those on board to connect and dream.

With Sweet Louise, Corendon Dutch Airlines invites travelers to embark on a journey that goes beyond destinations, embracing the stories, cultures, and connections that enrich our lives. As passengers take to the skies in a plane that is a canvas of creativity, they carry with them a piece of art that inspires curiosity and wanderlust.

In a world increasingly defined by technology, the tattooed aircraft serves as a reminder that art has the power to transcend traditional boundaries and prompt conversations. Just as tattoos tell tales etched onto skin, the design on this aircraft speaks volumes about the spirit of exploration and the vibrant culture of travel.

As part of the adventure, passengers will now have the chance to witness art in motion—a continuously evolving narrative as Sweet Louise soars through the skies, conveying the message that travel is indeed an art form in itself.