An aircraft livery is part of the operator's identity, but the surface it sits on is controlled. The airframe, the paint system and the areas that must stay clear are all matters for the operator's approved maintenance organisation, and applicable aviation requirements apply. We supply the graphics and applicators and work with that organisation throughout. We do not claim aviation certifications.
The fleets we meet range from single-engine aircraft to turboprops and light jets, plus the tugs, stairs and ground vehicles that serve them.
What we can brand
- Tail finlogo and colour block
- Fuselagecompany name and livery band
- Engine nacellessmall logo or lettering
- Cabin door areaname or logo
- Interiorsigns and decals where permitted
Materials approved for the application
The maintenance organisation decides which materials are acceptable for the airframe and the application. We recommend options from our range of cast films, laminates and cut vinyl, and supply the data the organisation asks for. Where a material is not approved, we change it rather than argue. Warranty terms depend on the material and application.
The most common projects are tail logos, name lettering on the fuselage, door-area graphics and registration lettering, rather than full wraps. Smaller operators often choose a modest set of graphics that can be completed in a single hangar visit.
Light aircraft used by flying schools often have well-worn paint, which affects adhesion. Part of our job is to say clearly when a surface is not suitable, and to leave the decision to the maintenance organisation, rather than to apply something that will not last.
Tail, fuselage and cabin
Tail fins carry the brand; fuselage bands and name lettering carry the identity. Large panels need accurate registration across rivet lines and skin joins, so we plan each piece against drawings or measurements taken on the aircraft. Registration and mandatory markings are set by applicable requirements and the operator, and are reproduced exactly as supplied. Interior decals, such as cabin signs or branding on a charter lounge, are produced only where the operator permits.
We keep a record of the materials, batch details and application dates for each aircraft and share it with the maintenance organisation for their files.
Large fuselage bands are the hardest pieces, as they must run straight along the full length. We use alignment marks, laser levels and a team approach to keep the line true.
Smaller operators sometimes ask for a single-colour livery refresh rather than a full scheme. Cut vinyl in a solid colour can achieve a clean, professional result, and the maintenance organisation confirms whether it is acceptable for the surface.
Ground vehicles and facilities
Operators often need matching branding for ramp vehicles, crew shuttles and ground support trucks. See fleet branding and reflective vehicle branding for airside vehicle options. Hangar and terminal graphics are covered under airport branding.
Our graphics for ground vehicles can match the aircraft livery, so the apron, the hangar and the aircraft share one identity.
How a project runs
We receive photos, drawings and the livery file, agree materials and scope with the maintenance organisation, issue a proof, and schedule the work in the hangar. Timelines depend on aircraft availability and are confirmed on your quotation.
Our lead time depends on the aircraft's availability and the maintenance schedule, and is confirmed on your quotation.
Removal and changes of livery
Operators change identity when aircraft are sold, leased out or rebranded. Removal of old graphics is planned with the maintenance organisation so the surface is not damaged and any adhesive residue is dealt with by their approved methods. Cut vinyl names and logos are straightforward to remove and replace. We can quote new and old together and schedule both in the same hangar slot.
Suitable branding options
At a glance
Aircraft branding covers the tail logos, fuselage name bands, door-area lettering, registration lettering and cabin decals that identify an operator's aircraft. Bus & Truck Branding South Africa produces these graphics for charter companies, flying schools, cargo operators, aerial work businesses and private owners, and applies them with the operator's approved maintenance organisation. Because the airframe, the paint system and the no-go areas are controlled, the work is carried out under that organisation's oversight and applicable aviation requirements, with materials approved for the application. We do not claim aviation certifications.
Most projects are modest in scope: a tail logo, fuselage lettering and a stripe, rather than a full wrap. Long fuselage bands need accurate alignment, so we use alignment marks, levels and a team approach, and we plan joins around rivet lines and skin panels. Cut vinyl in a single colour can give a clean refresh for smaller operators, while printed sections with laminate suit full liveries. Removal of an old livery is planned with the maintenance team so the surface is protected. Matching ground vehicle branding can be quoted together.
Common questions
Can you repaint or respray an aircraft?
No. We produce and apply graphics only.
Who approves the materials?
The operator's approved maintenance organisation, working to the applicable requirements.
Can you do an entire aircraft wrap?
Scope is decided with the maintenance organisation, based on the airframe and the materials approved for it.
Do you place registration marks?
Only as specified by the operator and the applicable requirements.