This idea was originally produced for Polynesian Blue Airlines and was adored so much that they decided to use it as a main design feature in the new rebrand, Virgin Samoa.

Virgin Samoa is a joint venture with Virgin Australia and the Government of Samoa. They wanted to prove that they have the Samoan spirit at the heart of the airline.

To do this we commissioned Samoan master tattooist, Tuifa’asisina Tulouena Sua to create a custom tattoo to place on the engine of the aircraft, just like the traditional tattoos, or pe’a, in Samoan culture. Because of the tatau’s status in the community we were conscious to execute this idea with sensitivity and respect.

The tatau design has been fully incorporated into the Virgin Samoa brand and is featured on the plane, uniforms and in airport lounges.

(Original concept)

A reference of a traditional Samoan tattoo / As a cultural symbol a true Samoan tattoo is still created in the traditional way with handmade tools.

(Final livery)

Printed scarves and ties for the Virgin Samoa uniform

The original artwork