A Japanese airline is changing its logo because Russia invaded Ukraine…
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The problem with ZIPAIR’s livery
ZIPAIR is Japan Airlines’ wholly owned low cost carrier, which launched operations in 2020. It’s an intriguing airline, as it operates both short and long haul flights using Boeing 787s, and arguably has the world’s most unbundled business class.
I can’t say I particularly liked ZIPAIR’s initial livery — the livery has a green stripe along the windows, and then a large “Z” on the tail. To me it looked outdated before it was even introduced. That being said, ZIPAIR has a much bigger branding issue on its hands.
Since Russia invaded Ukraine, the “Z” symbol has taken on a new meaning. Specifically, “Z” is now being used as a pro-war symbol for Russia, and has been spotted on many Russian tanks and military uniforms in Ukraine. It has also been used in Russia as a sign of support for the invasion, and the government has been encouraging the use of this.
Obviously that puts the airline in a tough spot. The livery was designed before Russia invaded Ukraine, but understandably ZIPAIR doesn’t want anyone thinking the carrier’s logo means that ZIPAIR supports the invasion.
ZIPAIR reveals new livery, minus “Z”
ZIPAIR has revealed that it will be changing the tails of its aircraft to get rid of the “Z” symbol. The livery will be changing in two stages:
- Starting on June 18, 2022, a new decal will be placed on the tail of ZIPAIR aircraft, to get rid of the “Z” symbol
- Between December 2022 and spring 2023, the tails of all ZIPAIR jets will be fully repainted with a new livery, which will also be displayed on all future delivery aircraft
Below you can find ZIPAIR’s new tail design. On the plus side, it doesn’t have a “Z” on it… and that’s about all I can say? I found the livery strange to begin with, and now I find it to be even stranger.
Bottom line
Japanese low cost carrier ZIPAIR was very unlucky when it decided to use a “Z” as its logo on aircraft, given that this is now being used as a pro-war symbol in Russia. As a result, the airline is going to be repainting its aircraft to remove the “Z” from tails.
Unlucky coincidence, eh?
(Featured image courtesy of Melv_L)
what's next ZZ Top changes to just Top
You have a point. A funny one, too! But, this has nothing to do with being "woke." An expression that most people could not even explain the origins or purpose. it has been politicized, like everything else.
The letter Z in the cyrillic alphabet is З. The Z as we know it is not part of the Russian alphabet. The Z the Russians are using is an invasion "mark". It is used by Russia on military vehicles because neighboring countries use similiar equipment so people need to know who is who in the battle field. It has been used as far back as the Soviet invasion of Czechoslovakia(two red stripes) that I...
The letter Z in the cyrillic alphabet is З. The Z as we know it is not part of the Russian alphabet. The Z the Russians are using is an invasion "mark". It is used by Russia on military vehicles because neighboring countries use similiar equipment so people need to know who is who in the battle field. It has been used as far back as the Soviet invasion of Czechoslovakia(two red stripes) that I know of and probably before that too. And there have also been many incidents of friendly fire because of vehicles rushed into war without getting the "mark" painted on them.
The fact that they feel the need to change their symbol is a serious indictment against the serious cancel culture that has run amock in the world. Literally the fact that they are afraid some woke idiots would cancel them, or even construe their company symbol as support, is a sign of the petty and sad times we live in. It's reached the point of absurdity......
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Insallom Guest
June 16, 2022, 10:54 pm
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Eve Guest
June 17, 2022, 1:49 am
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Eskimo Guest
June 17, 2022, 11:54 am
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Steven L. Gold
June 17, 2022, 8:19 pm
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Alan Guest
June 17, 2022, 6:37 pm
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Steven L. Gold
June 17, 2022, 8:04 pm
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Steven L. Gold
June 17, 2022, 8:36 pm
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Emily Guest
July 1, 2022, 4:26 am
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Jay Guest
July 27, 2022, 2:56 pm
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8 more repliesThere's no wokeism in Japan. They still live in the 20th century.
Mr, this has nothing to do with Wokeism. This is the same logic as you not wanting to use the Swastika Symbols in around and after WW2 because by default you will be associated with Nazi Germany in any case. And considering the amount of human toll -and suffering, that is being inflicted in Ukraine, one which you will not experience at all, it is really shameful that you think a positive attitude action like this is “woke”.
@Eve
An yet another Wokeism unrealized. The Swastika was and is still used in many religion around the world. Those people never even cared about being associated with Nazi Germany. Not to mention, just like Zipair, they predate those negative associations.
Would you have reacted differently if Putin uses the crucifixion cross as their symbol instead of "Z"?
@Eskimo: You know that, and I know that. But let’s try this thought experiment. Say it’s 2003. You’re opening a small specialty store in Houston selling, let’s say, Jainist books. You go and try to put an ad in in the local papers. Do you think their sales departments would let you put swastikas in your ads? It’s well before cancel culture, after all.
Relax, Eve! Jesse just expressed his opinion. I personally learned new things from comments of both of you. So, thank you to both of you! :)
Given how long it’s been since the invasion began, I’d be willing to bet that the coincidence was merely the final straw and that there’s some faction that has always been opposed to the official logo that successfully used this excuse to have it changed. Frankly, it was never a very good logo to begin with.
@Jesse We “reached the point of absurdity” when some Congressmen who were incensed about French opposition to the invasion of Iraq ordered the House cafeteria to rename French fries and French toast to Freedom fries and Freedom toast. And need I remind you that around that time French’s (of mustard and other condiments fame) put out a press release to announce that they were an American company named after its founder because—I kid you not—people...
@Jesse We “reached the point of absurdity” when some Congressmen who were incensed about French opposition to the invasion of Iraq ordered the House cafeteria to rename French fries and French toast to Freedom fries and Freedom toast. And need I remind you that around that time French’s (of mustard and other condiments fame) put out a press release to announce that they were an American company named after its founder because—I kid you not—people were threatening to boycott them?
This has nothing to do with wokeism or cancel culture. This is just plain old idiocy.
I have swastikas at home. I enjoy educating people about its origin to the Hindu religion as a sign of peace and unity. It’s alarming for people until they realise that the Nazis misappropriated the symbol.
The symbol is ubiquitous across Asia, especially India. And why shouldn’t it be?
Do you even know the origin of the word "woke?" Regurgitating stuff you hear from political talk show hosts is not good for the brain. :)
$5 Fivver-gig
Enough of this stupid cancel culture.
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David Diamond
June 16, 2022, 1:33 pm
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David Diamond
June 16, 2022, 1:34 pm
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1 more replyQuick, we need a new logo without the Z, didn't that intern take a design 101 course in university? Get him to whip something up fast.
Did not intend to reply to the person with the puzzling comment.
Ben, by the way, I know it’s probably not possible to do it right now, but I think you should do a review of Zipair once Japan is open. I am quite intrigued by its biz class seat.
Have flown it twice to and from Hawaii.Brand new planes with immaculate interior. Bring your own pillow though, because they only provide a vinyl, inflatable neck support cushion.
LOL how AIR is underlined in the livery to try and make it clear that it's ZIP-AIR and not ZI-PAIR!
Oh!
Why is the font that "ZIPAIR" is written in used so often in Japan? I see that font everywhere
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innocenat New Member
June 17, 2022, 3:06 am
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Dan Guest
June 18, 2022, 8:32 pm
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1 more replyProbably just because the Japanese serif font ("Mincho") usually just slap this as their Latin character glyph.
Uniform, most likely. Also, this font allows long width letters and spacing for the Roman alphabet and can be used interchangably with Romaji, Katakana, Hiragana, and Kanji. Most other fonts you see are generally designed for the Roman lettering.
If you download and use Microsoft Word in Japanese language and region settings, you will see this font as default.
My best educated guess on the matter.