Braniff International
Airways Boeing 720-027
N7078 (c/n 18154)
In April 1965 Harding L.
Lawrence took over as president and CEO of Braniff Airways. An
innovator,
he soon hired
the Tinker Agency, a high powered Manhattan advertising agency as the
airline's publicist.
Mary Wells of
that agency came up with the idea of hiring two top designers to
re-vamp the airlines image.
Italy's
Emilio Pucci designed all new wardrobes for both flight and ground
personnel (unveiling them in his
Florence fall collection) whilst American designer Alexander Girard
came up with new aircraft exteriors,
interiors, ticket offices and club rooms. The end result, often
called "Flying Colors" is what you see above.
Jet planes with white wings and
tail and each one in seven different solid colors: yellow,
orange, turquoise,
dark blue, light blue ochre and beige. "We believe people
appreciate technology, but they love beauty"
stated Lawrence. Whatever. In the event this
probably started the trend to the colorful designs we see
flying
the skies today - some good, some not so good. N7078
above at DFW (Dallas-Fort Worth Inter-
national Airport) is surrounded by other lovelies in 1966.
(Even the baggage carts were not spared).