The numbered livery is not new to Thunder. Our original fleet - the AW109SP and AW119Kx aircraft - carried bold colours and prominent fleet numbers on the exterior, and it became something of a signature. Clients recognised the aircraft, and the numbers gave each machine its own identity within a coherent whole. It was playful, eye-catching, and it worked.
Something we did not entirely anticipate was how quickly the names would stick. Clients, crew, and partners alike naturally began referring to the aircraft by name - booking Thunder 1 for a specific trip, asking which Thunder was available, requesting Thunder 2 for a return leg. In an industry where aircraft are typically referred to by registrations or ‘types’ that mean little to the average passenger, having a fleet that people actually refer to by name is a genuine point of difference and one we are quietly proud of.
With the new Trekker fleet, we wanted to keep that DNA intact whilst evolving the look to better reflect where Thunder Aviation is today. The numbers remain, Thunder 1, Thunder 2, Thunder 3, clearly and prominently displayed, but the overall aesthetic has matured. Cleaner lines, a more refined colour palette, and a finish that sits comfortably in the VIP and corporate market we operate in. A nod to where we came from, without being anchored to it.
Where it really comes into its own is when the fleet is seen together. A single helicopter with a strong livery makes a statement, but two or three flying together and being seen at the various ‘special events’ in the calendar make something else entirely. A coherent, recognisable group that is unlike anything else operating in this market.
These are not just individual aircraft operating independently. They are part of something, and the livery makes that apparent at a glance.
Andrew Devoy, Head of Sales, Thunder Aviation
