A sky full of planes and bustling airports full of eager travellers is typical scene every summer as people look to get away - but some people are only just realising why planes are always white. Whether you’re flying with Ryanair, EasyJet, British Airways, Jet2, Virgin Atlantic, KLM or another airline, one thing they all have in common is that they are almost always predominantly white coloured planes.

Logos and splashes of colour on liveries are normal, of course, but it’s nearly always on top of a white painted plane. But why is that? Posting on the Reddit forum r/todayilearned, poster u/curlybabe666 said: “TIL [Today I learned] that most planes are painted white to save fuel and reflect sunlight keeping the plane cooler and reducing the need for air conditioning.”

Another member, u/electronic_skill8851 said: “White paint also helps with regular safety inspections since cracks and damage are easier to spot against a light background.

“Plus it doesn’t fade as quickly as coloured paint, saving on maintenance costs. Pretty smart design choice when you think about it!.”

This is backed up by plane manufacturers Menkor Aviation.

The firm says: “If all planes are painted white, it is firstly because this colour is the colour that best reflects sunlight. Airplanes are very exposed to sunlight both when they are in flight and when they are parked on the ground. White paint is the best way to minimise cabin heating and prevent potential damage from solar radiation.

“You can compare the effect of white on the warming up of the cabin to wearing a white t-shirt in summer, it is always warmer when wearing a dark coloured t-shirt. You can also compare the effect of white on a plane’s fuselage to applying sunscreen to your skin on a sunny day. White, because it best reflects solar radiation, helps minimize potential damage.”

Not only this, but white paint is indeed easier to maintain.

It adds: “Coloured paints fade faster than white, causing them to lose all aesthetic appeal in the eyes of passengers. Companies then have to repaint their planes at a colossal cost. Painting typically takes one to two weeks, during which time the plane is grounded and does not generate revenue. The cost of the procedure is between $150,000 and $300,000 for an airliner.

“Moreover, a new paintwork is an additional weight for the aircraft. It can add up to an additional 550 kg to the plane. Weight increases fuel consumption and reduces the profit margin for airlines.

“White is the colour that fades the least and that saves companies significant savings. Although the colour always fades after spending a considerable amount of time in the air, studies have shown that white is the colour that fades the least quickly.”

And finally, Menkor says, white paint is safer for two key reasons.

One, it reduces bird strikes - because the bright white is easier for birds to see, meaning aircraft painted white are less likely to lose an engine to a bird - and two, white paint is easier to spot problems like bumps and cracks, which makes it less likely faults will be missed.