Corendon Dutch Airlines has introduced a striking new addition to the skies: the world’s first fully tattooed aircraft. In celebration of its 25th anniversary, the airline partnered with legendary Dutch tattoo artist Henk Schiffmacher to transform a Boeing 737 into a flying canvas of ink, storytelling, and symbolism.
Nicknamed Sweet Louise, the aircraft is wrapped in a sprawling tattoo design covering nearly 200 square meters of its fuselage. The artwork, which blends classic nautical symbols with traditional tattoo styling, honors the spirit of exploration and the deep connections forged through travel.
The name Sweet Louise is a personal tribute to Schiffmacher’s wife, while the imagery captures his lifelong journey through the world of tattoo art and global travel. From ships and hearts to iconic maritime elements, every detail etched onto the plane celebrates the traveler’s journey—both literal and emotional.
“The design is a tribute to the traveller,” says Schiffmacher, who has inked cultural icons including Lady Gaga and Kurt Cobain.
“Tattoos tell stories, and this one reflects my years of traveling the world and connecting with people from all walks of life. It symbolizes movement, connection and the desire to explore. I’m proud that it will now fly across the skies.”
The standout feature of the aircraft is a pirate tattoo on the engine, reimagined in a heart-shaped form, symbolizing the eternal wanderer and the longing to discover. The project was inspired by a chance conversation between Corendon CEO Gunay Uslu and Schiffmacher, who once dreamed of tattooing an entire plane. That dream took flight—literally—when Uslu embraced the vision of combining aviation and art in a bold new way.
With Sweet Louise, Corendon not only marks a milestone in its history but also sends a creative message about what it means to travel, explore, and connect. The aircraft will soon become a familiar sight across Europe’s skies, carrying with it a powerful story inked in every line.
