Northern Pacific Spreads Its Wings

Reflecting The Natural Beauty of Alaska

Northern Pacific Airways recently introduced the livery design for its aircraft to guests attending the unveiling event in San Bernardino CA.  The design was curated by Creative Director Edmond Huot who says that the look is intended to reflect the natural beauty of the Alaskan wilderness.

Dramatic black hues and soft gray tones symbolize the state’s mountainous terrain, ice, and snow. An “N” letterform that sits behind the Northern Pacific Airways logotype while the windshield features a bold, black masking treatment that adds distinctive charm. The aircraft’s winglets pop with a burst of sharp turquoise, accompanying the neutrals to represent the breathtaking Northern Lights. Completing the overall impression, the tail hosts a vibrant and elegant line motif that twists with an organic flair, juxtaposed with the eye-catching jet-black tail.

“The design carefully captures the Northern Pacific brand and our affection for our Alaskan home,” explains Rob McKinney, CEO of Northern Pacific Airways. “The design echoes our airline’s values – elevated customer service, an esteemed point of view, and an innovative route strategy designed to connect passengers from east to west.”

Edmond Huot talks about his inspiration for the brand. “Being in the business for more than thirty years exposes you to a lot. I remain curious and open to the world – traveling, meeting people, and always framing and curating my experiences.” Huot grew up on a rural farm in Canada, devoid of cable tv and city-living, he was often bored and, hence, forced to use his imagination.   

“As an early av-geek and disaster movie fan, I would lose myself in thought – creating entire story plots and visual scenes with model airplanes that I’d build, play with outside, and ultimately crash in some snowbank! I spent countless hours drawing planes on discarded paper bags and would act out scenes from Arthur Hailey’s Airport in my bedroom. For me, creativity started with storytelling and creating entire fantasy worlds in my head,” says Huot. Years later, his talent for drawing and sense of theatrics led him to advertising, where those same core passions drive his professional pursuits to this day.