The Airliner That Surprised Milan
If you were in Milan in July 2023, you might have witnessed something extraordinary and captivating: a 20-meter-long airliner, suspended 8 meters above the ground in Piazza San Babila. This was no ordinary plane but a hyper-realistic air structure, faithfully replicating a real aircraft complete with windows, wings, and engines.
The event, organized to celebrate the inauguration of the new M4 metro line connecting Linate Airport to the heart of Milan, aimed to create a visual spectacle symbolizing the link between the city and the world. It also served as an invitation for locals and tourists to discover the new infrastructure. The inflatable was strategically placed in one of Milan's busiest and most central squares, where multiple public transportation lines converge.
Making this impressive installation a reality required 400 hours of meticulous work. We used 300 meters of durable yet lightweight fabric to construct the inflatable and anchored it securely with sturdy steel cables attached to metal columns, ensuring its stability and safety.