Icelandair Logo PNG
The Icelandair logo captures the mystique and allure of Iceland’s landscapes, evoking the northern lights that illuminate its skies. Subtly hinting at adventure, it invites you to embrace Iceland’s outdoor wonders, from fjords to glaciers and quaint towns with unpronounceable names. The logo symbolizes Iceland as a place both strange and stunning, a land rich in natural contrasts.
Originating in 1937 as Flugfélag Akureyrar, Icelandair has undergone a transformation journey. In 1940, the airline rebranded as Flugfélag Íslands and expanded to include international flights to neighboring countries.
With the advent of long-haul aircraft, the airline made history in 1945 with the first transatlantic flight to the United States.
By the mid-1950s, Icelandair had firmly established itself as the foremost transatlantic carrier, offering passengers a convenient one-stop route between Europe and North America. The advent of jet aircraft in the 1960s further fueled the company’s growth, offering faster, more efficient long-haul service and capitalizing on Iceland’s position.
When the Icelandic aviation industry was deregulated in 1979, the airline adapted to the new environment and worked hard to provide exceptional customer service.
In the 1990s, Icelandair embarked on an ambitious modernization and innovation journey. The airline invested in a new fleet, introduced exciting new routes, and used the latest technology to offer customers an unrivaled travel experience.
In 2002, Icelandair took a significant leap forward by becoming part of the Icelandair Group, a holding company that combines its aviation and travel businesses.
Meaning and History
What is Icelandair?
Iceland’s national airline, based in Reykjavik, operates a network of international flights connecting Iceland to destinations in North America, Europe, and beyond. Known for its transatlantic routes, it offers passengers a unique opportunity to visit Iceland without extra airfare, thereby boosting tourism. The airline provides various classes of service, including economy, economy comfort, and Saga (business) class. The company is known for its modern aircraft fleet in Iceland’s tourism industry.
1937 – 1978
The first logo prominently features Pegasus within a black circle representing the sky, where the company’s planes soar. The winged horse symbolizes freedom, travel, and imagination, values that align with Icelandair’s mission to provide passengers with comfortable, inspiring journeys.
Below, the brand’s name appears in bold black letters, representing persistence and determination. The company started with a single airplane and, after a crash, relocated and restarted with one airplane until it firmly established its presence in Iceland’s skies.
The name “Icelandair” was not officially used until 1979. Before this, the company was known internationally as Iceland Airways, a name derived from “Iceland” and “air,” reflecting the Icelandic name Flugfélag Íslands, which appeared beneath the logo in early documents.
The black-and-white imagery highlights the country’s unique long days and nights, as well as its abundant snowfall.
1978 – 1999
After merging two Icelandic airlines, Flugfélag Íslands and Loftleiðir, into a single organization named Icelandair, the company decided to fundamentally renew its emblem. The new emblem features a modern, expressive design that reflects a new chapter in the company’s history.
The logo’s design features clear, streamlined uppercase letters. The letters are crafted to emphasize harmony and modernity, symbolizing the brand’s achievements and the technical excellence of its fleet. The precision of the lettering conveyed Icelandair’s impeccable organization and the high quality of its flights.
The logo features two blue stripes on the right, symbolizing either a wing or an airplane’s keel. Executed in a minimalist style, these elements added lightness and dynamism to the image. The use of blue, associated with the sky and water, was deliberate and reflected the company’s specialization in transatlantic flights. Most of Icelandair’s flights cross the Atlantic Ocean, connecting continents.
The dual symbolism of the stripes hinted at the two companies merging to form the new Icelandair. This element emphasized the union, creating a refreshed, stronger airline ready to face new challenges and opportunities in international aviation.
1999 – today
The company logo’s dark blue color was carefully chosen to emphasize the ocean’s depth and mystical beauty, as well as Iceland’s cold waters. This color reflects the region’s natural characteristics and conveys seriousness and professionalism. The dark blue gives the company’s airplanes a professional, reliable look, which is crucial for airlines seeking to strengthen passenger trust.
Gold flourishes gracefully along the emblem’s keel, representing the luxury and comfort available on board Icelandair’s aircraft. These design elements signal a high level of service and state-of-the-art equipment across the fleet, underscoring the company’s commitment to safe, exceptionally comfortable flight conditions.
As the company entered the third millennium, it adjusted its strategy, emphasizing business travel and enhancing on-board service.
2022 – today
Icelandair’s logo used to feature a Pegasus, but now it shows a stylized wing. The wing resembles two wide, wavy stripes with a small, half-oval at the bottom. These white geometric elements sit inside a dark blue trapezoid that represents the top of an airplane’s tail. The company name is in a balanced sans-serif font. This logo has been in use since 2022.
The new design moves from mythical imagery to a modern look. The dark blue trapezoid suggests the sky or ocean and connects to Iceland’s natural elements. The white wing elements feel minimalist yet dynamic, symbolizing movement and flight. The sans-serif font enhances the logo’s modernity, conveying professionalism and reliability.
Switching from the Pegasus to a stylized wing shifts the brand identity toward a cleaner look. The dark blue evokes calm and trust, while the white wing elements add sleekness and sophistication. The sans-serif font underscores a modern, professional image that aligns with the airline’s streamlined operations and customer-focused services. The balanced text design complements the geometric wing, creating a cohesive and visually appealing logo.