Air France logo

With its elegant sense of style, Air France is a design leader (and my favorite airline).

Yet I believe the design of its airplane tails is a missed opportunity. I have no idea what the current blue and red barcode stands for, but it definitely doesn't recall France or flying for me.

Here's what I think works better: the French national symbol (a rooster or coq gaulois) on the tail. As a flying bird, it's the perfect mascot for an airline. It wears the French colors, showing its confidence with its puffed up chest. Its tail is extended and contoured to fit the vertical stabilizer, giving it a dominating and impressive presence.