The dove has been created by Kingston University design tutor Pascal Anson (pictured left), who explained that he was inspired by watching flights taking off and landing at Gatwick airport.

"On my journeys from Brighton to London, I've often looked up at aircraft landing at Gatwick and wondered if it's a 'bird or a plane', and the idea developed from there," Anson said.

"When I started researching birds further I realised it had to be a dove.

"Not only are they a symbol of peace and social unity, but they were also used in previous Olympic Games ceremonies, including the last London Games in 1948."

Some A319 and 747 planes will be repainted with Olympic colours to mark the Games, and British Airways managing director Frank van der Post said: "When we invited up and coming British artists to submit a design to celebrate the London 2012 Games, we didn't expect a concept that would change the way we look at the aircraft.

"Pascal's work has achieved this and we're very proud to be sharing it with the world on our giant flying canvas."

Artist Tracey Emin (pictured right), who advised Pascal during his designing of the dove, praised the dove concept saying: "Pascal's design takes it to another level.

"He uses the entire livery of the aircraft to redefine the way you look at it.

"The dove is a stunning piece of work and will bring real excitement to anyone who flies on one of the repainted planes."

The final design will be revealed in April, and BA will keep the artwork on their planes until the end of the year, though they insist their traditional identity will be kept.

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