It all started when…
One of our designers was approached through an intermediary, outside of his duties within the UK’s Ministry of Defence, in order to seek a fresh set of eyes on a project where the right design had not yet emerged. The UK Government was looking to develop preliminary concept work for a new national livery, in the hope that it could be applied to an existing Royal Air Force Voyager aircraft stationed at RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire. The Voyager being considered for the livery (ZZ336) had been in its VIP fit since first used on official state business in the summer of 2016. The opportunity was turned down initially but our team was approached again and reconsidered - a choice which ultimately led to this…
Design concepts for this project were submitted following a request from the UK Government. Our team worked independently of the Royal Air Force and UK Ministry of Defence to provide assistance when it was requested - this was a zero-cost charitable venture for the benefit of the UK.
Images by Lee Matthews, RAF Photographer.
There were many requirements that the design had to meet and understanding the limitations of the markings (to avoid interference with the aircraft’s primary role) was key. Specifically, it had to maintain its ability to conduct air-to-air refuelling operations of UK military aircraft in between its routine flights as a passenger carrier. After much development we were staggered to hear that the final design was approved by the UK Government and it was applied in the summer of 2020 during a scheduled repaint. We felt honoured to have been asked to help with such a prestigious project and despite having conducted a huge amount of development work at zero-charge, we did not expect the livery to be the one adopted. We hope that it will bring much pride to the people of the United Kingdom in future years.
Final design concepts submitted to the UK Government during development of the livery destined to be applied to Voyager KC.2 ZZ336. The basic design was accepted immediately, with discussions over details prompting minor adjustments.
Working on a project on this scale was a big decision for our team. Knowing it was such a high profile project brought a large amount of pressure at a time when military service remained the priority for our principal designer. Although it was decided not to submit a design initially, we eventually accepted the request because the ask remained consistent. After being directed on some broad concepts required for a Government and VIP aircraft, work began to establish some of the finer details required. It was wonderful to find that our very first proposal was accepted as exactly what was wanted and many months later, after high level clearances were in place, the aircraft arrived in Cambridge for its new paint job amid a longer period of planned engineering tasks and upgrades.
ZZ336 left Cambridge Airport for delivery back to RAF Brize Norton on the 25th June 2020, after being superbly finished by Air Livery.
Video courtesy of Elliot Langran of CBGSpotter.
A momentous moment was captured on 25th June 2020 as Voyager ZZ336 touched down on RAF Brize Norton’s runway in Oxfordshire. We were proud to have been asked to design a possible solution for the aircraft. In contrast, and in recognition of all who serve in UK Defence roles and miss key moments in their lives, its principal designer was unable to see this moment; being deployed overseas on operations as part of separate priority duties with the Royal Air Force. If we could dedicate this livery it would be to all those who have served and continue to serve in all three services, noting the incredible support and understanding of their families.
Images by Lee Matthews, RAF Photographer.
ZZ336 arrived into sunshine at RAF Brize Norton, ushering in a new era for the United Kingdom on the world stage when it comes to the transport of the Royal Family, Ministers and delegations on trade, diplomatic and other missions. The flight crew on its delivery included at least one of the project officers responsible for managing the aircraft’s change of colours through to conclusion.
The Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall made the first official journey aboard the RAF-named ‘Vespina’ on 14th November 2020, when making a visit to Berlin. The royal couple attended a wreath-laying remembrance ceremony at the Neue Wache Memorial, in addition to another event at the Bundestag.
The prince delivered a speech, following an earlier statement from Clarence House which alluded to the UK’s important ‘focus on the German-British friendship, which has grown in the 75 years since the end of the Second World War.’
This project was a totally unexpected but a tremendous leap of faith for our team. It should be stated that we completed all of our design work at zero-cost after a request arrived to do so. No matter how it is viewed, the years beyond 2020 will be important ones for the United Kingdom and its people. This aircraft will be the symbol of a nation which will now write its next period in history and must do so together, with the greatest of respect for the world around us. Surprisingly, this has become our small contribution to that future.
We have never before had such close critique of our work but whilst opinions will undoubtedly vary, we hope that this aircraft will be seen and enjoyed by many for years to come.
Per Ardua ad Astra.
Images by Lee Matthews, RAF Photographer.
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