Zipair drops ‘Z’ logo from aircraft livery

The Yomiuri Shimbun

15:20 JST, June 16, 2022

Low-cost carrier Zipair Tokyo Inc. will stop using its ‘Z’ logo on aircraft livery because the letter has been appropriated as a symbol of support for Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

The Japan Airlines Co. subsidiary said it wants to avoid any misunderstanding that it supports Russia, which has been using the letter on military vehicles and equipment in Ukraine.

A wrap with a striped pattern will be used to cover the logo on the tails of Zipair planes from Saturday. The carrier plans to launch a redesigned livery in December, with all aircraft to feature the new design by next spring.

The ‘Z’ logo also appears on seat covers on its aircraft. The firm said it is considering how to address the issue going forward.

According to the company, it has received several inquiries about whether its logo is linked to the invasion of Ukraine.

“We wanted to do what we could to ease the concerns and anxieties of [passengers],” Zipair President Shingo Nishida said at a press conference on Wednesday.