The Singapore Airlines logo is forward-leaning, like a bird. The emblem’s elements represent leadership, speed, and care for passengers. Onboard the company’s aircraft, customers can feel at home.
Singapore Airlines traces its roots to Malayan Airways Limited, founded in 1947. The company began with flights between Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Ipoh, and Penang, using five Airspeed Consul aircraft. In 1963, after Malaysia formed, it became Malaysian Airways Limited. In 1966, after Singapore separated from Malaysia, the airline was renamed Malaysia-Singapore Airlines, reflecting its dual national role.
On October 1, 1972, MSA split into Malaysia Airlines and Singapore Airlines. The Singapore carrier inherited international routes and became Singapore’s national airline. During the 1970s, it expanded its long-haul services, added its first Boeing 747 in 1973, and introduced the sarong kebaya uniform for cabin crew, which later became one of the brand’s main visual symbols.
In the 1980s, Singapore Airlines opened more routes to North America, Europe, and Australia. In 1989, it introduced onboard telephone and fax services. In 1998, the airline added fully flat business-class seats on Boeing 747-400 aircraft, strengthening its focus on long-haul premium travel. In 2004, Singapore Airlines reorganized cargo operations under Singapore Airlines Cargo to manage freight separately.
The airline joined Star Alliance in 2007, the same year it received the first Airbus A380 and operated the type’s first commercial flight. In 2011, it launched the low-cost subsidiary Scoot. In 2013, it entered the Indian market through Vistara, in partnership with Tata Sons. By 2017, the airline was renewing A380 first- and business-class cabins and Boeing 787-10 economy seats. In 2018, it restored nonstop Singapore-New York service with the Airbus A350-900ULR, a key long-haul milestone.
Meaning and History
Although the first logo dates back to 1972, the company’s history begins with air transportation in Singapore. In 1947, several firms operated as Malayan Airways in Malaysia. In 1972, the conglomerate split into Singapore Airlines and Malaysia Airlines, creating the well-known brand identity we know today. The new company’s primary goal was to expand international service. Therefore, it adopted a fast bird as its symbol. Since then, the carrier’s symbol has changed little, emphasizing the reliability and consistency customers value.
What is Singapore Airlines?
This is Singapore’s flagship carrier, known for its first-class service and innovative approach to air travel. The company operates one of the world’s youngest fleets, including the Airbus A380 and Boeing 787 Dreamliner. The airline is known for unique offerings, including first-class suites on the A380 and the world’s longest nonstop flight between Singapore and New York. A distinctive feature of the airline is its iconic “Singapore Girl” in a sarong, a recognizable brand symbol. The airline is renowned for its “Book the Cook” culinary program, which lets passengers pre-order dishes from renowned chefs.
1972 – 1987
The logo foreground features a schematic bird flapping its wings. The animal figure consists of straight parallel stripes. The drawing is believed to be inspired by a spiritual weapon called a kris. This knife is popular across Asia and is recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Item. The item has a wavy blade made by welding together multilayer iron and nickel-plated iron plates, often with parallel stripes.
The knife is also featured in other company products, such as the SilverKris lounge waiting areas.
The bird’s wings resemble a torch, symbolizing energy and long-distance flights. The company flies over impassable terrain and transports passengers in bad weather and at night.
Below the picture, the name is placed on two levels. Its strong forward inclination implies speed. The logo looks rapid, rushing into the distance. The uppercase letters convey the carrier’s leading position in the country.
1987 – today
In 1987, Singapore Airlines slightly updated its image by making the logo more vibrant and colorful. The new emblem was designed to reflect the company’s growth and align with its main advertising, featuring the beautiful and colorful “Singapore Girls” in national costumes. This logo update emphasized the company’s focus on cultural heritage and high service standards.
The logo has two main elements: a stylized bird and the company name. The central crane bird symbolizes freedom, speed, and the aspiration to reach great heights. Its geometric shape points upward, highlighting the company’s dynamism and growth. A long orange stripe follows the bird, visually supporting the company name.
The name “Singapore Airlines” is blue and positioned to the bird’s right. The font features strict and clear lines, creating a sense of reliability and professionalism. The uppercase letters emphasize the company’s importance and status. The word “Singapore” is larger and stands out more than “Airlines,” highlighting the company’s origin and national pride.
The logo combines orange and blue colors. Orange symbolizes energy, warmth, and hospitality, aligning with the company’s image and commitment to high service levels. Blue represents reliability, stability, and trust, emphasizing the dependability and safety of air travel.
The stylized bird pointing upwards represents the pursuit of high standards and continuous development. The long orange stripe behind the bird creates a sense of movement and progress, visually supporting the idea of travel and flight. The combination of orange and blue underscores energy and reliability, creating a harmonious, attractive image for the company.
Font and Colors
The logo features blue and orange.
- Blue represents the planes’ technical excellence and the highest level of onboard services. The shade speaks of professionalism and the company’s well-coordinated work.
- Orange indicates communication. The carrier’s main job is to connect people, facilitate meetings, and maintain international contacts. The hue also conveys the friendly aura that reigns on board the liners, in the waiting rooms, and at Singapore Airlines airports.
The inscription font is unique because of the torn glyphs in the letters. Separate elements stretch towards each other, barely touching. This technique demonstrates meeting over distances. The legs of the letter n resemble a gangway attached to an airplane. The even, straight letters convey confidence, strength, and readiness to handle any obstacle.



