Vietnam Airlines Logo PNG
The Vietnam Airlines logo features Vietnam’s national symbol, showcasing the Vietnamese spirit to the world. The emblem is easily recognizable and clearly identifies the company as the country’s carrier, known for its rice terraces.
Vietnam Airlines traces its history to 15 January 1956, when Vietnam Civil Aviation began operations under the Civil Aviation Administration of Vietnam. In its early years, the carrier mainly served domestic routes with Soviet-built aircraft, including the Li-2, Il-14, and An-24, linking cities as the national aviation system was still taking shape.
After the reunification of North and South Vietnam in 1976, the airline went through a major organizational change and later operated under a new identity. It began international operations in 1983 by opening a route to Bangkok. In 1995, the company became a state-owned corporation, while modernization accelerated in the 1990s as older Soviet aircraft were gradually replaced by Western models, including the Boeing 767 acquired in 1996.
Long-haul expansion gained pace in 2003 with the arrival of the first Boeing 777, allowing services to Europe and North America. In 2006, the airline marked its 50th anniversary as Vietnam’s leading carrier. In 2010, it joined SkyTeam, aligning its network with Delta, Air France, and KLM. In 2014, Vietnam Airlines received its first Airbus A350, becoming the second airline in the world to operate the type.
In 2015, partial privatization brought in investors, including ANA Holdings. In 2016, it added a Boeing 787 Dreamliner to its fleet. By 2018, the airline served more than 50 destinations in 17 countries, followed in 2019 by new routes to Moscow Sheremetyevo and Bali. By 2020, its fleet exceeded 100 aircraft, including Airbus A350S, Boeing 787s, Airbus A321S, and ATR-72s, and it was part of the ANA Holdings and Air France-KLM group.
Meaning and History
What is Vietnam Airlines?
Vietnam’s national carrier, based in Hanoi, it has helped develop the country’s aviation industry and connect Vietnam to global markets. The company operates a modern fleet, including Boeing 787 Dreamliners and Airbus A350S, enabling it to comfortably operate long-haul flights.
1956 – 2002
From its inception in 1956 until 2002, Vietnam Airlines used a crane as its symbol. The crane holds deep cultural and symbolic significance in Vietnam, representing happiness, longevity, and good fortune. This beautiful bird silhouette, with its majestic wings uplifted, visually represented the airline’s aspirations to reach heights and success in the aviation industry.
The crane is considered sacred in Vietnam, and its image on the logo carries aesthetic value and deep meaning tied to the hopes and dreams of the Vietnamese people. It was likely chosen for the logo in hopes of bringing blessings and peace to the airline.
In the logo, the crane is set against a sunlit backdrop, a common motif in visual art. This image feels poetic and romantic, which makes it particularly appealing. The sun illuminating the bird symbolizes a new beginning and the bright future that the airline strives to build.
The crane flying high in the sky conveys Vietnam Airlines’ ambition to lead the aviation market, embodying high standards of service and quality for passengers.
2002 – 2015
As part of a branding reevaluation, Vietnam Airlines significantly changed its logo to reflect the country’s cultural and spiritual aspects. The crane symbol was replaced with another significant element of Vietnamese culture, the sacred lotus. This flower, widespread in Vietnam, draws tourists with its colorful appearance and is deeply rooted in local symbolism. It symbolizes purity, spirituality, and enlightenment.
The lotus petals in the logo are rendered in golden tones, highlighting the flower’s connection to Vietnam’s religious traditions, which regard it as the country’s soul and heart. This symbolism emphasizes the airline’s aspiration to become an integral part of the national identity alongside other beloved and respected symbols of Vietnam.
The new logo concept nods to tradition while showcasing Vietnamese nature and culture on the global stage. The lotus image, with petals unfolding like the sun, symbolizes potential and new opportunities for the company and its passengers.
The accompanying company name appears in sky blue, evoking the sky’s expanse and reflecting the connection between air travel and the vastness of the heavens.
2015 – today
The latest logo update introduces a new font for the company name. The font was selected to reflect shifts in the airline’s operations, including an expanded route network. The letters in this new font are taller and smoother, visually emphasizing the grace and tranquility of airliners moving confidently through the sky.
These font modifications enhance the logo’s visual appeal and convey the company’s philosophy. The tall, smooth letters symbolize a commitment to excellence and comfort, suggesting that flying with this airline is a relaxing, enjoyable experience. This detail reflects the airline’s deliberate, unhurried movement, like elegant ships sailing through the sky, giving passengers maximum comfort and confidence throughout their journey.
The updated font adds sophistication and modernity to the logo. The taller letters and smoother curves reflect the airline’s dedication to a serene, graceful travel experience. This design choice captures the airline’s commitment to passenger comfort and a smooth flight experience. The new font also aligns with the company’s broader goals of excellence and reliability, thereby reflecting its core values.