In today’s airline marketing landscape, standing out requires more than just showcasing an aircraft — it calls for creating a powerful, memorable experience. Neutral Digital’s latest CGI project does just that by bringing an Airbus A380 to life in a fog-laden, cinematic setting. This new visual takes advantage of atmospheric CGI to evoke drama, mood and immersion, setting a high standard for storytelling in aviation marketing.
What makes atmospheric CGI unique?
Atmospheric CGI takes the art of aviation visuals to a new level. Weather, lighting and ambience create layers that traditional air-to-air photography simply can’t match. For this project, we drew inspiration from @ingaviation’s haunting “ghost plane” visuals and reimagined them with our own cinematic twist. Placing a custom-liveried Airbus A380 in a moody, fog-drenched setting, we played with dynamic weather, low-visibility fog and ambient lighting. The result is an ethereal scene that makes the aircraft feel almost alive — a powerful impression that words alone can’t convey.
Using CGI, we have control over every element, allowing for visual precision that reflects the brand’s story and vision. From delicate fog rolling across the frame to the subtle highlights on the A380’s sleek body, each detail has been crafted to enhance the aircraft’s scale and elegance. The scene’s dramatic lighting makes the A380 appear as though it’s emerging from a dreamscape, a ‘ghost plane’.
Creating an experience goes beyond visuals. Sound design is another element we use to enhance realism. For this sequence, we added a custom soundscape that includes the deep, resonant sounds of the A380’s engines as it lands. This touch complements the visual atmosphere, allowing viewers to feel like they’re part of the moment. It’s a subtle addition but one that adds a multi-dimensional quality to the experience, making the sequence not only visually compelling but also engaging on an auditory level.
The future of airline marketing with atmospheric CGI.
Atmospheric CGI offers airlines a new way to build connections with their audiences, creating a visual narrative that combines artistry and technology. As CGI techniques evolve, we’re excited to help brands tell stories that go beyond the constraints of physical photography. In an industry where customer experience is paramount, atmospheric CGI is a powerful tool for crafting narratives that resonate and leave a lasting impression.
For a Halloween twist, we incorporated VFX to place an abandoned house in the background of the animation, enhancing the eerie, foggy atmosphere. This subtle yet powerful addition creates a haunting mood that aligns perfectly with the season’s spirit, showing how CGI can be adapted to suit special occasions. By leveraging CGI’s flexibility, airlines can customise content for various seasonal or cultural events, creating targeted campaigns that engage audiences in new ways. Whether it’s a festive scene for the holidays or an exotic setting for summer travel, CGI allows brands to tailor visual storytelling for any occasion, adding a unique touch that resonates with viewers.
Our work with airlines
Volaris: Lighting profiles with CGI
We recently collaborated with Volaris to create exterior CGI and animations of their A321nx, showcasing two distinct lighting profiles that capture the exterior aircraft in-flight.
PLAY: Capturing the Northern Lights
We recently partnered with PLAY Airlines to create detailed CGI renderings of their Airbus A321neo, showcasing the aircraft’s sleek design against Icelandic backdrops.
