Iconic Logo Lands at CLT

It harkens back to the golden age of travel, and it’s quickly become an eye-catching piece of iconic artwork recently installed on Concourse E.

A rare section of a Pan Am Boeing 727-227's fuselage, featuring the airline's “billboard” livery and globe, is attracting the attention of many travelers, prompting them to stop and share photos on social media.

“After recently moving here, it’s amazing to see not only the history of aviation but also the pieces of art as well!” said traveler Schon Loesch.

Watch the installation process HERE.

The installation measures 7 feet high by 14 feet wide and was restored and custom-fabricated for CLT by MotoArt Studios in Torrance, Calif.

For many years, the plane (Registration N385PA, built in 1970) sat in storage at the Smyrna/Rutherford County, Tenn. Airport before MotoArt acquired several sections in 2023, which were then precision-cut and shipped back to the company’s studio. The goal was to maintain the aircraft’s authentic finish.

“Some of the original panels were missing, and rather than replacing them with new material, we chose to install clear Plexiglass,” said Project Manager Kevin White. “It allows viewers to see the internal structure of the aircraft while maintaining authenticity. In areas where the skin had damage, we again used clear Plexiglass, not as restoration, but as preservation.”

A 10-person team salvaged, fabricated, polished, crated, coordinated logistics and then shipped the Pan Am section via flatbed truck on a six-day cross-country trip from California to North Carolina so it could be mounted at CLT.

While Pan Am began service to CLT in October 1983, this particular aircraft entered service with Braniff International Airways, then flew with Northwest Airlines, and joined Pan Am’s domestic fleet in March 1989. It remained in service until the airline ceased operations in 1991.

(Vintage Pan Am at CLT photos courtesy of: Stephen Mullis)