The SunExpress logo promises bright and pleasant journeys filled with positive emotions. At the same time, it reflects the company’s mission to ensure comfort and safety for all passengers. The symbolic lines and shapes demonstrate the brand’s connection to air travel, while the color scheme gives it a reliable appearance.
SunExpress: Brand overview
SunExpress emerged on the aviation scene in October 1989. It was conceived as a collaborative project between Turkish Airlines and Lufthansa to enhance Turkey’s tourism sector by linking it more directly with European cities.
The airline officially began operating on October 31, 1989, in Antalya, Turkey. Starting with a capital of 6 million German marks, shared equally by its parent companies, the aviation firm made its inaugural flight on April 2, 1990. A Boeing 737-300 flew from Antalya to Frankfurt am Main, marking the airline’s operational beginning.
Initially, the air operator concentrated on connecting German tourists with Turkish holiday spots such as Antalya and Izmir. By 1995, the brand had expanded its services to include domestic flights within Turkey, strengthening its presence in the local market.
In 2001, a significant milestone was reached when the company earned the IOSA (IATA Operational Safety Audit) certification, affirming its adherence to international safety standards. Five years later, in 2006, the aviation company began modernizing its fleet by ordering new Boeing 737 800 aircraft, enhancing efficiency and passenger comfort.
The brand significantly broadened its operations in 2009. The aviation firm established a second base in Izmir and began offering regular flights between Turkey and various European cities. This expansion continued in 2011 with the creation of SunExpress Deutschland GmbH, based in Frankfurt, which helped increase the airline’s footprint in the German market.
The airliner set a new record in 2013 by transporting over 7 million passengers in a year, showcasing its growing popularity. The aviation firm celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2015 and affirmed its position as a leading carrier in charter and regular services between Europe and Turkey.
The fleet modernization program progressed in 2016 by acquiring the latest generation Boeing 737-800s. 2018, the company introduced a fresh livery for its aircraft, reflecting a contemporary and dynamic corporate image. The brand broke another record in 2019 by flying over 10 million passengers.
By 2020, the fleet had grown to more than 80 aircraft, primarily consisting of Boeing 737-800 and Boeing 737 MAX 8 models, underscoring its robust growth and extensive reach in the aviation market.
Meaning and History
What is SunExpress?
This Turkish-German airline based in Antalya is known for its unique business model, which combines charter and scheduled flights. The company, a joint venture between Turkish Airlines and Lufthansa, operates a fleet of Boeing 737 aircraft, ensuring high operational efficiency. The airline stands out for its SunAdvisor program, which provides passengers with personalized recommendations for vacations at Turkish resorts.
1989 – 2010
The designers gave the SunExpress logo a recognizable shape that it retained even after 2010. They depicted a stylized sun with numerous short lines that pair up to form wide rays. This important symbol of aviation demonstrates the company’s connection to air travel. The sun is associated with warmth, joy, and pleasure, conveying the idea of a bright and pleasant vacation.
The lower half of the emblem features a semicircular stripe that resembles a cradle and signifies the birth of a successful and promising brand in the context of SunExpress. The sun rising above the horizon symbolizes the dawn of the airline, which has recently embarked on its journey in the aviation industry. The paired rays can represent aircraft flights in both directions—round trips.
The logo’s circular shape was chosen not only because of the sun but also because the circle is associated with the Earth, which the airline’s planes fly around. This emphasizes SunExpress’s global nature and conveys the idea of connecting people from different countries. Its smooth, clean lines reflect the company’s professionalism and reliability.
The wordmark placed to the right creates a similar impression. The designers used a geometric sans-serif font, giving the inscription many smooth elements. These elements correspond to the brand’s industry, as they are associated with safety, comfort, and swift movement. The emblem’s blue color directly relates to air travel, symbolizing the sea and sky. Blue is perceived as calm and balanced, giving passengers confidence.
2010 – today
The SunExpress logo features a white sun with rays created through negative space. Blue stripes form a “V” shape, symbolizing the sky, while orange waves represent the sun’s reflection on water. All these elements are enclosed in a circle. The company’s name is written next to the emblem in the Stroudley font. This logo was introduced on May 1, 2010.
The logo’s sun, sky, and water capture the essence of travel and leisure. The negative space for the sun’s rays adds visual interest, making the logo memorable. The Stroudley font balances the playful elements with a professional touch, appealing to tourists and business travelers.
The blue and orange colors convey warmth and adventure, evoking sunny destinations and clear skies. The circular emblem creates a sense of completeness and unity. The blue “V” stripes represent the sky and suggest upward movement, aligning with the airline’s goal of providing great travel experiences. The orange waves add energy, symbolizing the vibrancy of travel.
The Stroudley font ensures the company name is clear and readable, complementing the overall look of the logo. Its modern and clean lines enhance the brand’s professional appearance, making it appealing to a wide audience.