Have you ever wondered how some of the most famous airlines in the world got their names? In this blog post, we will explore the stories behind nine well-known airline trade marks or names and how they reflect their history, culture and values.
This airline, based in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, was founded in 1985 with the help of the royal family of Dubai. The name Emirates refers to the seven emirates that make up the UAE, and also evokes a sense of prestige and luxury. The airline’s name is rendered in calligraphic form in Arabic script as part of the Emirates logo, signifying the company’s roots and dedication to the Middle East .
This major US carrier was formed in 1930 by the merger of several smaller airlines. The name American Airlines was chosen to reflect the company’s ambition to serve all of America, as well as its patriotic spirit. The logo features a stylized eagle’s head that cuts into the background, creating a negative space. The eagle symbolises freedom, strength and flight, while the red, white and blue colours represent the US flag .
This low-cost airline, based in Malaysia, was founded in 1993 by a government-owned conglomerate. In 2001, it was bought by Tony Fernandes, a former music executive, who turned it into a successful budget carrier that serves over 25 countries. The name AirAsia reflects the company’s vision to connect Asia and beyond, as well as its simplicity and affordability. The logo is quite simple: the airline name on a red background. The red colour represents power, passion, energy and courage.
This flag carrier of the United Kingdom was formed in 1974 by the merger of four airlines: British Overseas Airways Corporation (BOAC), British European Airways (BEA), Cambrian Airways and Northeast Airlines. The name British Airways was chosen to emphasise the national identity and heritage of the new airline, as well as its global reach. The logo features a stylized version of the Union Jack flag on the tail fin, along with the airline name in a modern font. The logo was designed by Landor Associates in 1997 as part of a rebranding campaign.
This major US carrier traces its origins to 1924, when it was founded as Huff Daland Dusters, a crop dusting service in Louisiana. In 1928, it was renamed Delta Air Service, after the Mississippi Delta region where it operated. The name Delta also suggests change and innovation, which are core values of the airline. The logo features a red triangle on a blue background, which represents a delta (the Greek letter Δ), as well as a jet flying across the sky.
This national airline of Bahrain was established in 1950 as Gulf Aviation Company, a small-scale commuter service that served oil fields in the Persian Gulf region. In 1973, it became Gulf Air, after acquiring shares from other regional governments. The name Gulf Air reflects the company’s geographic location and focus, as well as its aspiration to be a leading airline in the Middle East. The logo features a golden falcon on a white background, which symbolises speed, agility and grace. The falcon is also a national emblem of Bahrain and other Gulf countries.
This flag carrier of Hawaii was founded in 1929 as Inter-Island Airways, a subsidiary of Inter-Island Steam Navigation Company. It changed its name to Hawaiian Airlines in 1941, after expanding its services to mainland US and other Pacific islands. The name Hawaiian Airlines reflects the company’s origin and destination, as well as its pride and aloha spirit. The logo features a stylized image of Pualani (Flower of the Sky), a Hawaiian woman wearing a flower lei and looking out of an aeroplane window.
This flag carrier of Japan was founded in 1951 as a state-owned enterprise, with the help of the US occupation authorities. It became a private company in 1987, after undergoing several restructuring and privatisation processes. The name Japan Airlines reflects the company’s nationality and identity, as well as its ambition to be a global player. The logo features a red crane with its wings spread, which symbolises good luck, longevity and fidelity in Japanese culture.
This flag carrier of the Netherlands is one of the oldest airlines in the world that still operates under its original name. It was founded in 1919 as Koninklijke Luchtvaart Maatschappij (Royal Aviation Company), with the royal approval of Queen Wilhelmina. The name KLM is an abbreviation of the Dutch name, which also conveys a sense of prestige and quality. The logo features a stylized image of a crown, which represents the royal endorsement and heritage of the airline.
Conclusion
In the skies, these airline trademarks and names are more than mere symbols – they’re gateways to adventure, comfort, and memories. Each emblem carries a tale of innovation, heritage, and global connections. So next time you board a flight, take a moment to appreciate the hidden narratives etched into these familiar designs. Bon voyage!