According to Aerospace Global News, most commercial airplanes are painted white for practical reasons. White surfaces reflect more sunlight, keeping aircraft exteriors cooler and reducing thermal stress on materials.
White aircraft exteriors help engineers detect damage, corrosion, and fluid leaks. Oil, hydraulic fluid, and dirt are more visible on white surfaces during routine inspections.
White paint reduces maintenance costs. Fading or minor imperfections are less noticeable on white, minimizing repainting needs. For large fleets, uniform livery simplifies maintenance procedures.
Aircraft leasing companies also prefer white planes. The color maintains aesthetic appeal longer, reducing the frequency of repainting due to color degradation.