
EgyptAir is the national airline of Egypt, which holds the distinction of being one of the oldest airlines in the world and the first airline in Africa and the Middle East. Established in 1932, it has evolved to become a modern carrier with a rich history rooted in Egyptian heritage. The airline’s logo has evolved to reflect its heritage and cultural significance and prominently features the ancient Egyptian deity Horus. This article explores the timeline of the evolution of the EgyptAir logo and highlights key changes and their meanings.
The Genesis of the EgyptAir Logo (1971 – 1995)
In 1971, EgyptAir adopted its iconic logo featuring Horus, the ancient Egyptian sky god. This design depicting a falcon’s head was chosen for its symbolism of power and protection. The original logo showcased Horus with a redhead and blue feathers against a circular gold backdrop with a red outline. A thin ribbon-like image comprising brown, white, and green colours seems to intersect the Horus emblem in a zigzag pattern.
Above this ribbon and on the left of the Horus emblem appeared the brand name “EGYPTAIR” in uppercase italics and in a serif typeface. The colour scheme of the original logo aimed to evoke warmth and connection to Egyptian culture.

(1995 – 2008)
The Horus logo was characterised by a vibrant colour palette that included blue, red, and gold. The logo was prominently displayed on the tail of the aircraft and other branding materials to reinforce the identity of EgyptAir as a national carrier. The emblem was accompanied by the brand name in both English (blue) and Arabic (red). During this period, the airline’s livery featured warm colours with red and gold cheat lines that complemented the logo.

(2008 – Present)
In 2008, EgyptAir underwent a significant rebranding effort that modernised its visual identity. The new minimalist design streamlined the Horus logo by removing intricate facial features and left only the eye and feathers visible. The colour palette shifted to shades of blue on a white background to emphasise simplicity and elegance. This redesign aimed to align with contemporary branding trends while maintaining a connection to Egypt’s rich history.

The Elements of the EgyptAir Logo
Font
The font used in the EgyptAir logo is a bold, uppercase typeface that features a stylised slant with softened ends. This design choice enhances readability while giving the logo a contemporary feel. The larger “E” in “EgyptAir” makes the brand name memorable and impactful. It creates a strong visual presence that stands out on various platforms, from aircraft to promotional materials. The font conveys a sense of reliability and professionalism and aligns with the airline’s commitment to quality service.
Colour
The colour palette of the EgyptAir logo primarily consists of deep blue against a white background. This choice reflects both elegance and simplicity and emphasises a clean and modern aesthetic. The blue colour symbolises trust and stability, qualities that are essential for an airline. The use of white provides contrast and ensures the logo is easily recognisable and visually appealing.
Historically, the logo incorporated additional colours such as red and yellow in earlier designs, which were associated with the vibrant culture of Egypt. However, since the 2008 redesign, the focus has shifted to a more minimalist approach with deep blue as the main colour. This evolution signifies a move towards contemporary branding practices while still honouring Egypt’s rich heritage.
The History of EgyptAir
EgyptAir was founded on May 7, 1932, as Misr Airwork. The name “Misr” (Arabic for Egypt) reflected its national identity. The initiative was led by Alan Muntz, who was the chairman of the British company Airwork, with funding from Egypt’s Misr Bank (85% ownership), Airwork (10%), and private Egyptian investors (5%).
The airline commenced operations in August 1933, with its first flight connecting Cairo and Alexandria using a de Havilland DH.84 Dragon aircraft. Soon, additional domestic routes to cities like Luxor and Aswan were added. By 1936, international flights to Cyprus and Baghdad began, which were followed by Haj pilgrimage flights to Mecca in 1937.
In 1949, the Egyptian government became the sole shareholder of the airline and renamed it Misrair. During this period, Misrair expanded its fleet with aircraft like the French-built Languedoc and introduced international services to destinations such as Geneva and Tehran. The airline also began incorporating American technology into its fleet with Beechcraft and Vickers Viking aircraft.
In 1960, after the formation of the United Arab Republic (a political union between Egypt and Syria), Misrair merged with Syrian Airlines to form United Arab Airlines (UAA). This era marked significant advancements, including entering the jet age with Comet 4C jets and later Boeing 707s. However, after the dissolution of the union in 1971, UAA was rebranded as EgyptAir.
In 1971, EgyptAir adopted its current name, thereby marking a new chapter in its history. The airline continued expanding its fleet and network and became a prominent carrier in Africa and the Middle East. It introduced modern aircraft like Boeing 737s and Airbus models during this period.
In July 2002, EgyptAir was restructured into a holding company comprising seven subsidiaries, which included maintenance, cargo, and ground services divisions. This restructuring aimed to streamline operations and enhance efficiency.
On July 17, 2008, EgyptAir became a member of the Star Alliance, the world’s largest airline alliance. This milestone allowed it to offer better connectivity and services to passengers worldwide. Today, EgyptAir operates a fleet of over 70 aircraft serving more than 90 destinations across 55 countries.
EgyptAir has faced challenges over recent decades, including reduced traffic during political unrest following the Arab Spring in 2011 and disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite these difficulties, it remains a symbol of national pride and continues to adapt to modern aviation trends.
Interesting Facts About EgyptAir
- EgyptAir is recognised as the oldest airline in Africa, which was founded in 1932 as Misr Airwork. It is also the seventh airline in the world.
- After its establishment, EgyptAir quickly became a pioneer by launching international flights to destinations like Cyprus and Baghdad as early as 1936. This positioned it as a leader in regional air travel.
- The airline has undergone several name changes throughout its history. Initially named Misr Airwork, it became Misrair in 1949 after nationalisation. In 1960, it merged with Syrian Airlines to form United Arab Airlines (UAA) and reverted to EgyptAir in 1971 after the dissolution of the United Arab Republic.
- EgyptAir has continuously upgraded its fleet over the decades. For instance, it has upgraded its fleet from early British aircraft like the de Havilland DH.84 Dragon to modern jets such as Boeing 777s and Airbus A220s.
- In 2008, EgyptAir joined the Star Alliance, thereby becoming the first North African airline to be part of this global network.
- The airline’s logo features Horus, an ancient Egyptian deity symbolising protection and power. This choice reflects EgyptAir’s commitment to showcasing its cultural heritage while appealing to modern travellers.
- During World War II, EgyptAir was nationalised by the Egyptian government and played a crucial role in supporting military logistics while maintaining passenger services.
- The frequent flyer program of EgyptAir is called EGYPTAIR Plus.
- EgyptAir has faced significant challenges due to political unrest, particularly during the Arab Spring in 2011, which led to decreased traffic. The airline was further impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic but continues to adapt and recover.
- The airline has been involved in several high-profile incidents, including hijackings and accidents that have shaped its operational protocols and safety measures over the years.
- In recent years, EgyptAir has focused on sustainability initiatives. These include modernising its fleet with more fuel-efficient aircraft and implementing environmentally friendly practices within its operations.
Finally
The EgyptAir logo and its changes over the years reflect both its historical roots and its adaptation to modern branding practices. From its introduction of Horus in 1971 to the minimalist approach adopted in recent years, each iteration seeks to maintain a strong connection to Egyptian culture and appeal to contemporary aesthetics at the same time.