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On Mon. Nov. 14, Air Canada's polished Boeing 767 took to the skies in its new shining silver fuselage.

Air Canada is considering taking a new 'polished' look to its B767 fleet in an effort to shed further weight from its aircraft and offset record fuel prices.

A test phase was launched earlier this month when the Toronto Paint Shop stripped primer and paint from FIN 613's fuselage. The exposed aluminum skin was then buffed to shine. The outcome: a sparkling silver aircraft complete with AC insignia, including the standard tail livery.

"We're reviewing it both from an aesthetic point of view and also to analyze how the finish stands up to our operating environment," Jon Turner, Vice-President, Air Canada Maintenance.

While the complete process on a B767 -- from initial wash to final polishing -- takes up to 12 days to complete, the removal of primer and paint reduces the aircraft's weight by approximately 360 pounds. Taking today's fuel prices into account that translates into fuel savings of more than $24,000 per year for each aircraft.

The Boeing aircraft are generally prime candidates for the aluminum finish due to their reflective clad skin. Airbus aircraft, however, are not suitable as they comprise a flat anodized surface.

While AC's fleet comprises 45 B767s, not every one would be a candidate for the new look, noted Turner. "Since all of our aircraft were initially painted, they do not all buff up to a nice finish," he said. This was confirmed when a small section of FIN 618 was tested recently, and a decision was made to remain with the painted livery on that aircraft.

Upon completion of the polished finish, the aluminum requires polishing and buffing about twice a year to maintain corrosion protection and shine.

"Based on our evaluation of 613 over the next few weeks, we'll determine if we'll proceed with other B767s," said Turner.