Few airline liveries have achieved the iconic status of Continental Airlines' famous "Contrails" design. Introduced in the early 1990s, the livery transformed the airline's image and became one of the most recognizable identities in commercial aviation. Paired with the airline's fleet of McDonnell Douglas DC-10s, it represented an era when Continental had re-established itself as a major global carrier connecting North America with destinations across Europe, Asia, and Latin America.
Better known among aviation enthusiasts as the "Meatball" livery, the Continental Contrails design was simply brilliant. The stylized globe wrapped in sweeping contrails managed to communicate movement, international travel, and modernity in a way that few airline brands have ever matched. Decades later, it still looks contemporary.
This photorealistic art print focuses on the tail of the DC-10, one of the aircraft types that helped carry the Continental brand around the world during the airline's resurgence. The clean minimalist composition puts the famous globe logo front and centre, allowing the strength of the design to speak for itself.
For airline enthusiasts, the Meatball logo represents more than a livery. It's a reminder of an era when airlines invested heavily in strong visual identities that became instantly recognizable from across the airport ramp.
Ideal for aviation-themed rooms, home offices, travel-inspired spaces, or anywhere that celebrates iconic airline design and the golden age of widebody jet travel.