Austrian Airlines Logo PNG
The Austrian Airlines logo represents the airline’s commitment to connecting Austria with the world, embodying its rich cultural heritage and significance in global communications. The design showcases the company’s dedication to hospitality, precision, and a unique blend of traditional and contemporary values. It aims to reflect Austria’s role as a cultural hub at the heart of Europe, renowned for its history, music, and art, which are integral to the national identity.
Austrian Airlines: Brand overview
The formal founding date of Austrian Airlines was September 30, 1957. The national airline of Austria was founded when Air Austria and Austrian Airways, two already-existing Austrian airlines, united to form the new corporation. With the government owning 51% of the company’s founding capital of 60 million Austrian Schillings, control over this strategically significant asset was guaranteed.
The company conducted its inaugural commercial flight on March 31, 1958. After stopping in Zurich, a Vickers Viscount 779 aircraft took off from Vienna and landed in London. This historic flight started the company’s regular foreign operations. In its first year of operation, the company transported about 25,000 people.
The airline actively increased the number of routes it offered in the 1960s. Flights to Brussels, Paris, and Rome began operating in 1963. The company launched the Vienna-Moscow route in 1966, becoming the first airline to fly to the Soviet Union regularly. This was a pivotal moment in developing East-West ties during the Cold War. The company was able to compete with other European carriers in 1969 after introducing the Sud Aviation Caravelle, the company’s first jet aircraft that greatly improved flight speed and comfort.
The business kept updating its fleet during the 1970s. The airline got its first Douglas DC-9 in 1971, and for the following ten years, it served as the backbone of the airline’s fleet. The company increased the number of its long-haul routes during this time. The airline entered the intercontinental travel market in 1977 when it launched its first transatlantic trip to New York on a leased DC-8, ushering in a new chapter in its history.
The airline continued modernizing and growing throughout the 1980s. The company’s first Airbus A310 arrived in 1982, making medium-haul flights possible. Around this time, the company started building its brand, releasing a new livery with an eye-catching red and white pattern. This company was the first international airline to launch a joint venture with China Shandong Airlines in 1988.
The airline saw major transformations in the 1990s. In 1991, it gained a majority position in Lauda Air, strengthening its position in the charter aviation industry. The company also purchased Tyrolean Airways, a minor airline, in 1993.
When it became a member of Star Alliance in 1997, the company greatly increased its capacity to provide passengers with worldwide services. Because of this agreement, the airline was able to provide flights all over the world via the alliance’s network.
New obstacles appeared in the early 2000s. In 2000, the company fully incorporated Lauda Air into its organization. Using a Boeing 777, the firm operated its inaugural trip to Australia (Vienna-Kuala Lumpur-Sydney) in 2001.
The airline rebranded in 2003, announcing a new logo and livery that is still used today. The new design highlighted the company’s innovative approach to air travel and Austrian background.
Due to financial issues, the business was sold to the Lufthansa Group in 2009. This resulted in a considerable reorganization and modifications to the company’s approach.
The airline went through a period of streamlining and reform after joining the Lufthansa Group. The structure and efficiency of the business were enhanced in 2012 when the airline absorbed all of Tyrolean Airways’ operations.
When the long-haul fleet renewal program started in 2013, the company received its first Boeing 777-200ER with a new interior, greatly improving long-haul flight service quality.
The airline commemorated its 60th anniversary in 2015. At this point, the business was well-known as a top-notch European carrier, possessed a contemporary fleet, and had a wide network of routes.
In 2018, the company announced it would modernize its fleet and order new Airbus A320s to replace its aging aircraft. This illustrated the business’s dedication to innovation and ongoing development.
In 2019, the airline continued modernizing its fleet. The first of the previously ordered Airbus A320s was delivered to the firm. These contemporary narrow-body aircraft contributed to fuel savings and increased efficiency on European routes.
The company announced the first direct flight from Vienna to Montreal, Canada, in March 2019. This marks the airline’s route network growth. The airline’s plan to solidify its position on transatlantic flights was reflected in this expansion. The airline boosted the number of flights it operated to Tel Aviv and other Middle Eastern locations that same year.
At the beginning of 2020, the company made additional fleet renewal announcements. The plan was to swap out the outdated and inefficient Bombardier Q400 turboprops for Airbus A320s. This action aimed to improve operational efficiency and unify the aircraft fleet. New onboard dining options and the opportunity to pre-order special meals on short—and medium-haul flights are two examples of the ongoing efforts to improve services.
In 2021, the airline commemorated its 25th anniversary as a Star Alliance member. This partnership greatly expanded the global network and enhanced passenger service. To address the rising demand for leisure travel, the airline strengthened its presence on resort routes and refined its route network this year, concentrating on the most lucrative locations.
The company announced intentions to lower CO2 emissions and improve the environmental friendliness of its operations in 2022 as part of its ongoing sustainable growth strategy. The airline tested sustainable aviation fuel on certain flights as part of this project. The reward program was also revamped to give travelers new advantages and ways to accrue and redeem miles.
Fleet upgrading continues in 2023. The corporation received new Airbus A320neo aircraft with improved fuel efficiency and lower noise levels.
Meaning and History
What is Austrian Airlines?
It is Austria’s national airline based in Vienna. It operates an extensive network of domestic and international flights connecting Austria to Europe, Asia, Africa, and North America destinations. Offering various classes of service, including economy, premium, and business class, the airline provides a comfortable travel experience thanks to its modern aircraft. It is a member of Star Alliance and is expanding its global reach through partnerships with other international airlines. The airline is important in developing Austria’s connections and supporting tourism and economic growth.
1995 – 2003
From 1995 to 2003, the Austrian Airlines logo was designed to capture the airline’s dynamism and assertiveness. The central element of the design is a red checkmark on the right, stylized to resemble a schematic image of a jet plane. This checkmark symbolizes speed and forward movement and visually resembles a plane soaring through the sky at high speed.
The carrier’s name follows this dynamic checkmark, executed in thin black letters. The font choice is deliberate: its lightness and airiness emphasize the brand’s commitment to efficiency and speed and its desire to move forward continually. The font creates a sense of motion and signifies that the brand’s journey is just beginning, with all paths open ahead.
The logo is completed by a running line that dynamically changes colors. This element enhances the logo’s sense of liveliness and activity. The transition from blue to green shades symbolizes the airline’s confidence and readiness to evolve and adapt to changes in the aviation industry. This visually appealing approach effectively communicates Austrian Airlines’ key values—innovation, customer focus, and a continuous drive for excellence.
2003 – 2018
The 2003 logo of Austrian Airlines was designed to reflect patriotism and the airline’s deep connection with Austria. The use of red and white shades, traditional for the national flag of Austria, was intentional. These colors symbolize national identity and visually emphasize the company’s affiliation with the country, creating a clear association with Austria and strengthening the image of Austrian Airlines as a national carrier.
The key element of the logo is the red “Austrian” inscription, which is prominently highlighted in the design. This makes the brand easily recognizable and unmistakably linked to Austrian Airlines. The inscription is styled and sized to attract attention and remain memorable to consumers immediately.
The addition of a red Boeing airplane taking off into the sky is a powerful symbol. This element highlights the company’s commitment to modern technologies and continuous development. The ascending airplane symbolizes Austrian Airlines’ ambitions and power and visually emphasizes the company’s area of activity—aviation transport.
2018 – today
The airline’s new logo captures dynamism, elegance, and modernity. It was designed to express the company’s current stage of development and its commitment to innovation. The logo inscription features a brighter and bolder font, enhancing its visibility and expressiveness. This element boosts the brand’s visual presence, making it easily recognizable and memorable.
The airplane in the logo now appears more voluminous, adding depth and a high-tech appearance to the image. This update emphasizes the company’s focus on modernizing its fleet and utilizing advanced aviation technologies.
The use of red in the logo is intentional. It symbolizes the airline’s energy, passion, and dynamism, reflecting its active lifestyle and ambitious goals. Red also represents strength and determination, aligning with the image of a company aiming for leadership.
The serifs on the inscription add sophistication and a classic appearance, blending traditional design elements into a modern execution. These fine details enhance readability and lend the logo a refined and esteemed look.
The silhouette of the airplane depicted in the logo conveys a sense of motion, progress, and an unwavering pursuit of new horizons. It symbolizes the continuous development of the company and its readiness to expand its geographic reach and improve its service.
The new logo visually represents the aviation theme and the airline’s deep commitment to its country. It effectively conveys key aspects of the brand, merging historical roots with a contemporary vision and technological progress.
FAQ
What are the colors of Austrian Airlines?
Austria’s national airline uses a simple color scheme of red and white as the colors of the Austrian flag. These colors make their aircraft easy to recognize.
The color red is used on their aircraft. The aircraft’s body usually has a red stripe near the windows, giving it a fast and lively appearance. The aircraft’s tail is red and features the company’s logo as a stylized eagle. Red is a color that is associated with passion and energy. White is used in the main part of the aircraft. It contrasts sharply with the red detailing, giving the aircraft a modern look. White helps make the red parts stand out more, especially from a distance. The company creates a strong and consistent brand image using Austria’s national colors.
What is the motto of Austrian Airlines?
The airline’s motto: “We bring Austria in our hearts and even more customers to the world.” This slogan reflects the company’s desire to share Austrian culture and hospitality with a growing number of travelers worldwide. It strives to become the first choice in European aviation, offering high-quality services.
What is the Austrian Airlines code?
The national carrier of Austria uses various codes for operation and identification in aviation and transport systems around the world. Here is a simple explanation of these codes:
- IATA Designation: OS Code: This two-letter code is on your boarding pass and baggage tags, which are used to book flights and process passenger information.
- ICAO Code: AUA Code. This three-letter code is primarily intended for flight and air traffic control. This helps ensure proper organization and safety of flights, especially since some airlines have similar IATA codes.
- Airline code: Code 257. This number helps identify the company, especially when dealing with cargo and logistics.
- Legal name: The company’s official name is Austrian Airlines AG. “AG” means that it is a registered company under Austrian law.
These identifiers are critical to a company’s operations, helping with ticket bookings and air traffic control.
What brand is Austrian Airlines?
The airline is part of the Lufthansa Group, the largest aviation group in Europe. This connection gives the company a strong foundation and a wide network. It is a member of Star Alliance, the first global aviation alliance. Participation in this alliance allows it to connect its passengers to numerous destinations worldwide and offer the best travel benefits through collaboration with other group airlines. This helps to improve its services and strengthen its presence in the international market.