Crystal Palace FC has unveiled a fan-chosen aircraft livery as part of its official airline partnership with SunExpress, marking a new milestone in the collaboration between the Premier League club and the carrier.
The bespoke livery, named ‘The Eagle’, was revealed on a Boeing 737 MAX 8 during a ceremony. The design celebrates the club’s crest and its South London identity, and was selected by supporters through an online vote.
According to the club, the winning design secured 87 percent of the vote, while the campaign generated the highest engagement ever recorded for a Crystal Palace partner activation.
The aircraft will now operate across the SunExpress network, carrying the club’s colours to destinations across Europe and Türkiye.
SunExpress, a joint venture between Lufthansa and Turkish Airlines, plans to operate flights from 11 airports across the United Kingdom and Ireland starting in summer 2026, reinforcing the airline’s presence in the region.
Helmut Wölfel, commercial director at SunExpress Airlines, said the initiative highlights the airline’s commitment to engaging directly with supporters.
He noted that since the partnership launched last year, the focus has been on placing fans at the centre of activations and creating campaigns that feel authentic to the club and its community.
Wölfel also emphasised that the UK remains a key growth market for SunExpress, with the aircraft acting as a visible demonstration of the airline’s long-term commitment to London and the wider UK market.
Barry Webber, chief commercial officer at Crystal Palace FC, said the unveiling of the aircraft represents a powerful visual expression of the partnership between the club and the airline.
He added that placing supporters at the centre of the campaign resulted in exceptional engagement and demonstrated the strength of the Crystal Palace fan community.
According to Webber, ‘The Eagle’ also reflects the club’s ambition to strengthen its international presence, while celebrating its roots as a South London club.