Removal of Red ‘Cut Here’ Square on Fuselage
 

Yesterday I was boarding a G-GAT A320 and could clearly see the usual Red Square on the fuselage showing where to cut in an emergency. However, I realised the BA NEO next to us didn’t have these markings. I also realised that the aircraft that have had a new coat of paint recently don’t have these anymore.

Was it BA’s decision to remove these from its livery or a change in safety requirements by Airbus?

Or a slightly different internal structure?

in any photographed incidents, Im trying to recall if ive ever seen a specific cut out hole from rescuers in those zones?

I am another who cannot recall seeing any pictures with evidence of the "cut here" guidance being used, and neither have I ever noticed evidence of the flight deck crash axe being used.

What's it used for?

Seriously? A point in the aircraft structure which might, in extreme circumstances, facilitate the entry of rescue personall and/or equipment. Somewhere clear on major internal structures, in other words.

And, no, I’ve never seen them used either in either Mil or Civ scenarios.

Had no idea to be honest. ^

They used one in Airport '79 (The Concorde) when it crash landed on a ski run in the Alps. George Kennedy got out just in time before the whole thing blew up. Thankful for red cut here squares.

...used once in 40 years (!) no wonder they're getting rid!

Been looking at some of the aircraft that have been repainted in the last year and they have all had this red square painted over.

Also, I can’t see any evidence that other UK airlines such as easyJet and Monarch had these markings. So perhaps it was a BA thing for increased ‘safety’ in emergencies which has now been chosen to remove.

I think the first time I actually noticed this was on the side of the babybus,

Opening bar boxes that are bent or jammed.:D

A shame, it adds a certain je ne sais quois IMO. Makes you feel like you’re doing something slightly dangerous

it’s not the greatest photo ever taken but I just confirmed the bras still has it- although no spare money in the budget for new livery round here ;)
https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...1e8368939.jpeg

Might have known you'd know that. :p

I think they are also clear of fuel and electrical lines, and in military case, clear of the trigger for the ejection seat too.

OT a bit here...
No "Cut here" on a F16 but it says:
RESCUE> 1. Push button to open door 2. Pull ring out 6 feet to jettison canopy