Worrying pic of plane wing covered in tape goes viral. What experts say

A picture of a plane wing covered in duct tape went viral on social media (Image credit: WakehamDavid/Twitter)

A photo of an airplane wing covered with duct tape went viral last week, sparking safety concerns on social media. Australian opera singer David posted the picture on Twitter. “When choosing your favourite airline choose wisely,” wrote Wakeham, tagging Qantas. “Profits before safety,” he added.

His picture and the accompanying caption sparked fears that duct tape was being used as a temporary measure to hold the plane wing together. However, experts say that is not the case.

When choosing your favourite airline, choose wisely. @Qantas Profits before safety. pic.twitter.com/pGentzAxov

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— David Wakeham (@WakehamDavid) September 22, 2022

CheckMate reported that the tape is called “speed tape”, which is commonly used by airlines to cover peeling paint.

“The tape pictured — known as speed tape — is used regularly in the aviation industry and, in this case, was likely applied to cover peeling paint,” it reported.

The plane is the picture is most likely a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, according to the newsletter. Boeing told aviation publication Simple that the safety of its planes is not affected by peeling paint.

“The peeling does not affect the structural integrity of the wing, and does not affect the safety of flight,” a Boeing spokesperson said.