Throughout the history of world exhibitions, airplanes with Expo logos have flown the skies, acting as powerful symbols of innovation, progress and global unity. These branded aircraft not only reflect the spirit of the host countries, but also convey the themes of the international exhibitions to a global audience, reaching new heights – literally and metaphorically.
The tradition of Expo aircraft branding began when aviation itself grew into a symbol of state-of-the-art technology and international connectivity. Whether it is the Expo 1967 Montreal, when the “Man and His World” theme fit perfectly with the pioneering nature of aviation, or the Expo 1992 Seville, celebrating the 500th anniversary of Columbus’ voyage – these planes became icons in the sky, promoting the essence of human exploration and discovery.
In recent years, the branded Expo aircraft from the Dubai 2020 exhibition have captured the imagination of millions, spreading the “Connecting Minds, Creating the Future” message. The unique liveries of these aircraft carried the Expo vision of a more sustainable, interconnected world to travellers across continents.
The new aircraft in the Air Serbia fleet will have the livery of Expo 2027, the upcoming Specialised Expo in Belgrade. The design of the new Airbus 330-200 reflects the visual identity of Expo 2027 and the playful form of the logo, also representing a clear link to the theme of the upcoming exhibition “Play for Humanity - Sports and Music for All”. This plane joins a fleet of wide-body aircraft that include those with the images of famous scientists Nikola Tesla and Mhajlo Pupin.
The partnership with the airlines serves as a reminder of how these global exhibitions transcend borders and bring people together to celebrate human achievement. With their colourful logos and messages of unity, these planes continue to play a key role in raising awareness, ensuring that the spirit of the Expo is not limited to the host city or country, but that it is shared around the world.