Braniff Public Reveal End of the Plain Plane Campaign Film November 6, 1965

On November 6, 1965, Braniff International revealed to the public its revolutionary End of the Plain Plane Campaign. A complete redesign of the carrier's public contact areas ushered in a completely new look for the Texas-based airline that began a new era in jet travel that had never been seen before in aviation history. Braniff International, as it officially became known in April 1965, became the ultimate trendsetter that other airline's attempted to emulate from both a visual and financial standpoint.
The focal point of the new look was the painting of all Braniff jet-powered aircraft (Jet-Powered Electra Jets were not painted in the new look until late 1966) in eight unique Solid Colors Schemes designed by noted New Mexico Architect and Herman Miller Designer Alexander "Sandro" Hayden Girard and further enhanced by Braniff's design and engineering department and advertising executive Mary Wells. Ms. Wells was Vice President of Braniff's new advertising think tank firm, Jack Tinker and Partners of New York City, which spearheaded the new Braniff campaign along with Charlie Moss, Richard Rich and Stewart Greene. Initially, seven colors were selected for application to Braniff's aircraft including Periwinkle Blue or Lavender, Beige, Orange, Sky Blue, Turquoise, Lemon Yellow, Dark Blue, and Ochre. However, Periwinkle Blue was replaced by Dark Blue in September 1965.
The first two aircraft permanently painted in any of the new colors was Braniff International BAC One-11 203AE registered as N1544, which was painted in the Orange Solid Scheme with Alexander Girard Sky Font Script and BI Tail Logo in Black. A Boeing 720-027 registered as N7076 was painted in the Periwinkle Blue or Lavender hue. These two aircraft along with another 720 and One-11 were presented to the public at the unveiling on November 6, 1965, at the Braniff Operations and Maintenance Base at Dallas Love Field. However, Ship N7076 was repainted in a different color for the actual November 6, unveiling.
Over 100 press and luminaries were on hand to witness the exciting flyby of the Orange BAC One-11, Beige BAC One-11, the Dark Blue (initially this aircraft was painted in the Girard Periwinkle Blue color which was a Lavender hue, but was quickly abandoned in September 1965 after cultural issues with flying a purple and black jet to South America and Mexico were discovered), Boeing 720-027 and an Ochre Boeing 720-027 painted in exciting new coats of vibrant colors. Aviation writer J.D. Bowersock, from the Kansas City Star stated "Never in my 40 years as an aviation writer have I seen anything like this!" Braniff's new President Harding L. Lawrence certainly had a major hit on his hands with the new look.
The guests and press had arrived the day before at the Marriott Hotel. On Saturday morning, Mr. Lawrence hosted a breakfast to welcome everyone to what promised to be a remarkable event. In a speech to the group, Lawrence noted that the airline had been working on its overhaul since June 1, which included strengthening the company's route structure, improving on-time performance and aircraft utilization, and had undertaken an imaginative approach to marketing to bring new concepts of passenger service to the airline industry, while at the same time making Braniff distinctive and different in its appearance as well as in its service to passengers.
At 11:35 AM, Saturday, November 6, 1965, all heads turned to the north as the End of the Plain Plane Campaign officially began. First the Dark Blue Boeing 720 flew by, followed by the Beige BAC One-11. The Orange BAC One-11 zoomed by as the clouds began to break, after a very wet week, as though signaling the beginning of an historic era. The Orange jet was quickly followed by the Ochre 720. The flying rainbow fleet circled the field one more time and then came in for a beautiful landing one at a time.
The group of jets lined up and taxied in unison to the ramp in front of the viewing stand at 7701. The brigade was led by the Dark Blue 720 (N7076) followed by the Beige (N1546) and Orange One-11s (N1544) and finally the Ochre 720 (N7077). Braniff ground crews met the jets in their colorful Pucci uniforms and an array of ground equipment painted in the new colors was positioned around the aircraft, which only added to the drama of the moment. The arrival of the jets presented a colorful spectacular that was the highlight of the day.
Doors popped open on the Boeings and BACs while ramps were drawn up to the Boeings, whereas the BAC's airstairs were deployed. The flight crews descended the stairs dressed in their colorful uniforms and then lined up in an impressive display of professionalism. President Lawrence led the guests down to the ramp to have a closer look at the culmination of six months work. Lines quickly formed at each aircraft to view the new vibrant Girard interiors. It was a magnificent sight that no one would soon forget.
Braniff Airways, Incorporated, Copyright, Text and Video

[@paulclark4988]

I can only imagine how proud Braniff's staff felt of their new image.

[@rlee3966]

Great save of the historic BRANIFF INTERNATIONAL. I myself miss the BI logo. And the JELLY BEAN Fleet. Brings back the Glamor day's of Avation.