WOW air Logo PNG
WOW, air flies away toward its dream, to new horizons. The emblem is full of determination and flights of imagination. It invites you to trust the company and set off for uncharted shores.
WOW air: Brand overview
In 2011, Icelandic entrepreneur Skúli Mogensen established WOW Air, envisioning a low-cost airline offering affordable flights between Europe and North America with a layover in Iceland. Drawing on his background in telecommunications, Mogensen sought to apply a low-cost model to the aviation industry, recognizing the potential in Iceland’s burgeoning tourism sector.
The company commenced operations on May 31, 2012, with its inaugural flight from Reykjavik to Paris. The airline’s initial fleet comprised three leased Airbus A320 aircraft. Known for its vibrant purple planes and creative marketing campaigns, the brand quickly captured public attention with its humorous and inventive approach to attracting passengers.
By 2013, the airline rapidly expanded its European route network, launching flights to major cities such as London, Berlin, and Copenhagen. This expansion solidified its presence in the budget travel market between Iceland and mainland Europe.
In 2014, the company acquired the assets of the bankrupt Icelandic airline Iceland Express. This acquisition significantly bolstered its route network and fleet, enhancing its standing in the Icelandic market.
The company took a significant leap in 2015 by launching transatlantic flights, with initial routes to Boston and Washington. These routes marked the realization of the strategy to provide affordable travel options between Europe and North America, using Reykjavik as a connecting hub.
2016 was a year of rapid growth and fleet expansion. The airline introduced new destinations in the US and Canada, including Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Montreal. It began modernizing its fleet, acquiring its first wide-body Airbus A330 aircraft to serve long-haul routes.
Expansion peaked in 2017. The airline launched numerous new routes, including flights to Tel Aviv, making it the first European low-cost carrier to serve Israel. Plans for flights to Asia were announced.
Despite ongoing growth, 2018 brought significant financial challenges. Rising fuel prices and intense competition on transatlantic routes led to substantial financial losses. The airline began seeking investors and exploring restructuring options to address these issues.
By the end of 2018, the company was engaged in acquisition talks with Icelandair and later with investment firm Indigo Partners. However, both deals fell through, exacerbating the financial struggles.
On March 28, 2019, after months of financial difficulties and unsuccessful attempts to secure investors, the airline ceased all operations. The abrupt shutdown left thousands of passengers stranded worldwide, severely damaging Iceland’s tourism industry.
Meaning and History
What is WOW Air?
This former Icelandic low-cost airline based in Reykjavik offered ultra-low fares on transatlantic flights between Europe and North America with a stopover in Iceland. The company operated a fleet of narrow-body aircraft, such as the Airbus A320 and Airbus A321, configured for maximum passenger capacity and efficiency. It was known for its vibrant purple branding and straightforward service model, where passengers paid low base fares and additional services like baggage, seat selection, and in-flight meals were available for an extra fee. The company ceased operations in 2019.
2011 – 2019
WOW Air was active from 2011 to 2019 and gained attention with its unique approach to air travel, offering affordable and high-quality services. During this period, the company aimed to stand out among competitors by creating a vibrant and memorable brand. The logo, featuring a purple sun and the word “WOW,” reflected this philosophy, symbolizing the joy of travel and the anticipation of discoveries.
The logo has a circular purple element with the large word “WOW” in the center. The text is in white capital letters, and inside the letter “O” is a stylized silhouette of an airplane. Below the word “WOW,” the word “air” is written in smaller font.
The logo’s purple color grabs attention and symbolizes the company’s uniqueness and creativity. In Icelandic culture, the sun depicted as a purple circle symbolizes light, warmth, and life—important elements in harsh Arctic conditions. The white color of the text creates contrast and emphasizes lightness and airiness, which are associated with flying and the sky.
The logo’s font is smooth and modern, sans-serif. The capital letters “WOW” are bold, highlighting the company’s confidence and reliability. The airplane silhouette within the letter “O” signifies the company’s focus on air travel and underscores its aviation orientation.
The name “WOW” was chosen deliberately. The exclamation “WOW” is associated with amazement and wonder in various cultures. This name is meant to evoke excitement and joy in passengers about their upcoming journeys. The central hole in the letter “O,” styled as a flying airplane, emphasizes the company’s core activity—air transportation—and adds dynamism to the logo.
