When Eurowings announced its Europe-wide campaign to paint the names of everyday heroes across four of its Airbus A320 aircraft, it tapped into a deeply rooted aviation tradition.
While commercial jetliners typically sport geographic destinations, national parks, or historic pioneers on their noses, airlines have occasionally handed the labeling marker over to the public to celebrate everyday community members, loyal customers, and unsung heroes.
Here is how the latest Eurowings initiative works, along with a look at how other global airlines have turned their aircraft into airborne tributes over the years.
The value carrier—part of the Lufthansa Group—launched its "Name a Plane" competition to honor individuals who make a meaningful difference in the lives of others through everyday acts of kindness and support.
The Nominations: European residents aged 18 and older can submit entries describing, in 250 to 400 characters, how a specific person makes their life easier. Submissions are open via [eurowings.com/nameaplane](https://eurowings.com/nameaplane) through October 11.
The Selection: A dedicated jury will review entries to select four individuals whose stories best embody community spirit and selflessness.
The Takeoff: In December, four Eurowings Airbus A320 aircraft will unveil their new liveries featuring the first names of the chosen winners.
"Every Eurowings aircraft connects people and brings them closer to those who matter most. With 'Name a Plane,' we are celebrating the people who make life easier for others." — Max Kownatzki, CEO of Eurowings
Eurowings joins a lineage of airlines that have used public involvement to personalize their aircraft.
1. JetBlue: Puns, Employees, and Hometown Heroes
JetBlue is famous for ensuring every single aircraft in its fleet includes a variation of the word "blue" in its name—yielding iconic titles like Blueberry, Bipartisan Blue, and Smarter Than Your Average Blue.
To maintain this tradition, the airline frequently turns to its employees (Crewmembers) and frequent flyers to submit ideas. Over the years, JetBlue has used these naming opportunities to honor long-serving staff members, military veterans, and local community leaders, placing personal stories directly below the cockpit windows.
2. Qantas: "Name the Dreamliner"
When Australia's flag carrier took delivery of its flagship Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner fleet, it launched a nationwide campaign asking the Australian public to name the modern long-haul jets.
Over 60,000 submissions were entered, resulting in a public vote that selected names deeply tied to Australian identity and culture—including Great Southern Land, Waltzing Matilda, Boomerang, and the beloved cultural icon Skippy.
3. Virgin Atlantic: Frontline Tributes and Social Media Votes
Virgin Atlantic has built much of its brand around distinct aircraft nose art and personality. While historically named after cultural icons or company founders (such as Lady Penelope), Virgin has repeatedly turned to the public during milestone moments.
In times of national crisis or charity drives, the airline has invited passengers and followers to nominate frontline healthcare workers, charity leaders, and community figures to have their names—and customized artwork—adorn incoming Airbus A350s and Boeing 787s.
4. KLM Royal Dutch Airlines: Celebrating Local Icons
KLM typically follows set conventions for its long-haul aircraft—naming Boeing 777s after UNESCO World Heritage sites and Boeing 787s after flowers. However, for its regional KLM Cityhopper network and special anniversary campaigns, the Dutch carrier has regularly hosted public voting initiatives allowing passengers to nominate prominent local figures, regional hubs, and historic figures to grace the fleet.
The Naming Playbook:
A Quick Comparison- Airline Aircraft Targeted Campaign Style Core Theme
By shifting focus away from famous historical figures and toward everyday acts of kindness, Eurowings elevates a familiar aviation marketing tactic into a high-visibility gesture of personal gratitude.
.jpg)
