Plane Paint Secret Has Internet Revved

In the age of Internet discussion groups, keeping a new aircraft paint job secret until a grand unveiling might have been harder than Delta Air Lines had thought.

Web sites for aviation buffs are abuzz since someone posted images last Saturday that show the purported new paint scheme. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported last week that a new paint job is in the works and will likely be revealed when Delta exits bankruptcy court at the end of the month.

On airliners.net, a Sweden-based site with about 300,000 daily users, images of the design have prompted hundreds of messages.

According to the images circulating on that and other sites, the likely new scheme features the return of Delta's triangular logo, known as the "widget," to the tail of Delta jets --- albeit in an off-kilter stance that cuts off the point of the triangle. The fuselage is mostly white, with a dark underbelly. Another red widget and "Delta" in a minimalist typeface is on the side.

Some posters have created variations, adding more fuel to a debate that one termed "widgetgate."

"It's tough keeping it under wraps," said Richard Aboulafia, a consultant with the Teal Group who has been following the aviation industry for about two decades. "There are always leaks."

A spokeswoman for Delta --- which has only acknowledged considering a new paint job --- declined to comment on the Web image.

But it generally matches a design that Delta recently showed to employee groups for feedback, according to an employee familiar with the project. He said the all-red version of the traditionally red, white and blue widget logo has caused consternation among some employees.

The Delta spokeswoman, Gina Laughlin, said the airline doesn't regret involving employees in its consideration of a new livery, even if it increased the chances of leaks.

"It's exciting that Delta people continue to be so passionate about the company and what it means to them," she said.

But even one poster at airliners.net seemed exasperated by the speculation.

"Can we just shut this thread down until we actually see a REAL airplane in REAL sunlight?" pleaded "Jetlanta" on Wednesday.

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