Selected Logos / Category: Transportation / Aviation Company

Aviation Company logos

By Staff Writer

HOW AVIATION LOGOS INSPIRE FLYERS

When one thinks of flying, more or less travel and adventure in far-off exotic places typically come to mind. Millions around the globe fly for leisure and business to different destinations, often from continent to continent. With such stiff competition, and flyers having the luxury and convenience of choosing between several airlines, at the heart of the aviation industry resides branding.

The catchiest and most attractive brand designs are often those which one tends to easily reproduce on paper, relying on memory alone. Therefore, you may have noticed how aviation logo designs aren't typically designed to showcase aircrafts, but to promote feelings of flying, with ease, comfort, security and luxury. Eye-pleasing and heart-warming colors lie at the pinnacle, along with winged symbols and strategic curves.

Logo Design Prerequisites

If you have all your resources and senses honed in properly, aviation logos can really take off. The industry is vast, and one has several factors to consider. For one, the design needs to represent something you can brand your aviation company with, especially in the long run. You might want to observe your competitor's logos; it may give you a fair idea so as to what works and what doesn't.

Visualize it

Sitting down to work on aviation logos, naturally the first image you conceive is that of a plane. A sleek plane no doubt makes for a stunning logo, however, you must consider if this image is possibly the best representation of your aviation business.

Start with a Sketch

Maybe you specialize in a particular aspect of aviation technology. Go right ahead and focus on that part. It could be the wings or fuselage of a particular make or model or even a technological marvel that you incorporate into your aircraft designs. Similarly, if you are well known in the industry for a specific aircraft model alone, highlight this in an image that's both pleasing to the eye and lets flyers know where you're coming from, and why they want to go through your business to begin with.

Maybe you have an airline running exclusively to certain destinations. Take Air Canada for instance: on the tail of their aircrafts, you have a red maple leaf that represents the country. Or Hawaiian Airlines, with their alluring tropical foliage coupled with the calming silhouette of a beautiful native woman. Simple, yet unforgettable, wouldn't you say?

Famous Aviation Logos

Typography - a Major Player in the Process

Typeface that's easily readable is of the essence. Sometimes, choosing a particular font can send a subtle message, which at times, can slip through your awareness. Since we're talking aviation logos, it's best to incorporate a typeface that speaks of stability, safety and security. A sleek-looking sans serif for example, gives your logo a rather modern air - smart choice for an aviation business that likes to focus on technology and innovation, while not fearing to get their toes wet with new trends.

Serif typography is well suited towards aspects like respectability and tradition. If you want to project an image of a company that's been long standing as reliable since the old days of the aviation industry, serif fits the bill nicely.

Script typography or anything that's youthful and bubbly like Comic Neue should generally be avoided, since we're not in the fashion apparel or fast food business. Let your imagery and colors compliment a playful touch to the logo - the font can always anchor it to a solid base. Even though one might want to experiment with fanciful designs, it's important to keep in mind how flyers subconsciously look for an element of reliability and safety in your logo.

Choose Colors to Paint the Right Picture

People tend to associate colors with certain emotions. It's no wonder blue and red are such widespread choices in the aviation industry - Delta, United, Southwest, Airtran - this is more than just coincidence. As a general example, red is often considered by customers as a color of courage and strength. Similarly, blue promotes and inspires feelings of calmness, efficiency, trust and intelligence; all qualities you want in an aviation business.

While blue and red have stood the test of time, there are several other shades you might want to take out for a spin. Green depicts an aura of restoration, balance, and peace. Purple speaks of luxury. Flyers are receptive towards color tones of orange as they relate to security and comfort. You need to tread carefully though as yellow, a close alternative is often tied to fear. Black leans towards stability and sophistication, so does white, which is pure and clean. Brown is associated with warmth and stability, however, comes accompanied by a certain sense of non-sophistication - not the best trait in the aviation industry.

Good logo design lends itself to a well thought out balancing act. While incorporating a sense of innovation, you need to keep in mind how your customers need to feel safe as well as secure. Also consider where your aviation design is going to appear. From the tail of an aircraft, to products and apparel, or a flight attendant's identification pin, the logo needs to work well on all mediums.

The best logos are after all, immensely pleasing to the eye, clearly distinct, recognizable and encourage flyers to come back again and again.