Green Wrap 737-700 BBJ

Stunning sunset light for this lovely green wrap -700, which ultimately became a Boeing Business Jet for a private customer. All 737s, indeed, all Boeing commercial airliners except for the 787, start out looking like this. The panels that comprise the fuselage are given a protective coating – various shades of green – which is then washed off prior to painting. Only the control surfaces – the rudder, wings, wing components, and stabilizers, are painted at this stage as they must be properly balanced for the aircraft to fly safely (even down to the weight of paint). Most 737s in 2012 were painted at Boeing field, and many still are – but increases in production have meant more painting at the factory in Renton, Washington, and painting at a facility in Spokane.