Qatar Airways, based in Doha, is the national carrier airline of Qatar. It is known for its luxurious cabins, modern fleet (Airbus A350 and Boeing 787 Dreamliner), first-class services, exclusive benefits, sponsorship of premier sporting teams and events, and a global network of destinations. However, a key element often overlooked is its visual identity or logo, a symbol that has evolved alongside the remarkable journey of the airline. This article delves into the history and evolution of the Qatar Airways logo. It explores the design elements and the story it tells.
The Genesis of the Qatar Airways Logo (1993-1997)
Qatar Airways took flight in 1994 with a logo that reflected the nascent stage of the airline. The design featured an abstract representation of an Arabian oryx, the national animal of Qatar, enclosed in a circle. This oryx appeared in white on the vertical stabiliser of the aircraft. The colour palette used in the logo was white to depict the oryx image and dark red for the background. Sometimes the depiction of the core elements in the colour palette was reversed as well – dark red for the oryx image and white for the background.
Interestingly, the logo differed slightly on each side of the aircraft. The left side displayed “Qatar” in English above horizontal pinstripes, mirrored by the Arabic script below. The right side reversed this layout. While not the most sophisticated design, it established core elements like the oryx and bilingual branding.
(1997-2006)
In 1997, Qatar Airways underwent a significant rebranding exercise, which was reflected in a more modern take on its logo. The oryx remained, but this time it was rendered in a more realistic style and placed inside a striped circle. The biggest change was the addition of horizontal pinstripes and the adoption of a cleaner and more streamlined aesthetic.
The airline’s name, “QATAR” “AIRWAYS” appeared in both bold burgundy and grey lettering, respectively, on both sides of the fuselage. The Arabic script was displayed after the English script in a bold burgundy colour scheme similar to the brand name “QATAR.” This logo marked a shift towards a more sophisticated brand image, which aligned with the growing ambitions of Qatar Airways.
(2006-Present)
The current logo was introduced in 2006 and represents a refinement of the previous iteration. The core elements—the Arabian Oryx and the bilingual branding—remain, but with a touch of elegance. The burgundy colour scheme is retained too, but with a slight adjustment in shade. The national animal of Qatar, the Arabian Oryx, becomes more prominent by taking centre stage on the tailfin. It appears as an emblem with horizontal pinstripes in the background and on the right side of the wordmark, “QATAR AIRWAYS.” The wordmark adopts a slightly more refined font, while the Arabic script remains consistent.
When it comes to the wordmark, one half of it, “QATAR,” is displayed in a bigger size in a sans-serif typeface. On the other hand, the other half of the wordmark “AIRWAYS” is displayed below in a smaller size in grey. The name of the airline in Arabian script is mentioned besides “AIRWAYS” in burgundy. This logo strikes a balance between tradition and modernity and reflects the position of Qatar Airways as a global leader in luxury travel.
Impact on Brand Identity
The evolution of the Qatar Airways logo has played a crucial role in shaping the brand identity of the airline. Each update has coincided with significant milestones in the company’s history, from its initial growth phase to its emergence as a global aviation leader.
The current logo, with its sleek design and vibrant colour scheme, effectively communicates the core values of Qatar Airways, that is, excellence, innovation, and premium service. It has become a recognisable symbol in airports worldwide and has helped the airline maintain its position as one of the most respected brands in the industry.
The Elements of the Qatar Airways Logo
The Qatar Airways logotype is dominated by the word “Qatar” in uppercase letters, rendered in a rich burgundy colour. The typeface used is elegant and sophisticated, and bears a strong resemblance to fonts like Optima Pro Demi Bold or Jalal Light. Under this primary text, the word “Airways” appears as a tagline in smaller letters, using the same typeface but in a subtle light grey colour. Complementing this English text, the company’s name is also presented in Arabic script, with burgundy being the primary colour.
The colour scheme chosen for the visual identity of Qatar Airways is both refined and impactful. The deep burgundy serves as the primary colour, which exudes an air of luxury and prestige. This is balanced by the use of light grey, which adds a touch of modernity and sophistication. Together, these colours create a visual representation that speaks to the airline’s core values and aspirations.
This carefully crafted logo design serves multiple purposes. Firstly, it communicates a sense of reliability and professionalism, key attributes for any airline. The choice of colours and typography also suggests a premium service offering, which aligns with the position of Qatar Airways as a premier luxury carrier. Furthermore, the inclusion of both English and Arabic text underscores the airline’s international reach while maintaining a strong connection to its Middle Eastern roots.
Overall, the Qatar Airways logo effectively conveys the company’s commitment to excellence, safety, and superior customer service. It presents a visual promise to passengers of a high-quality travel experience, and reinforces the brand identity of the airline as a leader in global aviation.
The History of Qatar Airways
Qatar Airways, founded in 1993, began as a modest regional airline with a fleet of just four aircrafts. However, its trajectory changed dramatically towards the end of the 1990s, when the Qatari government envisioned transforming it into a global carrier. This ambitious plan aimed to position Qatar, a Middle Eastern nation with a population under 3 million, as a major hub for international transit passengers.
The task of realising this vision fell to Akbar al-Baqer, who at the time headed the civil aviation department in Qatar. It was under his leadership that Qatar Airways embarked on an extraordinary journey of growth and expansion. Over the next two decades, the airline’s fleet multiplied more than 25-fold, which reflected its rapid ascension in the global aviation market. By the end of 2017, Qatar Airways had become a major player in international air travel and served an impressive 32 million passengers annually.
As of today, the reach of Qatar Airways extends to over 160 destinations, all of which are international. This extensive network underscores the airline’s commitment to global connectivity. The carrier’s dedication to excellence has not gone unnoticed; it is one of only seven airlines worldwide to hold the prestigious five-star rating from Skytrax, a respected British aviation industry reviewer. Further cementing its status in the international aviation community, Qatar Airways is a member of the Oneworld airline alliance. This alliance enables the collaboration of Qatar Airways with other premier carriers to enhance passenger services and expand the former’s global footprint.
This remarkable evolution from a small regional operator to a leading international airline exemplifies the commitment of Qatar Airways to growth, quality, and global leadership in global aviation. It stands as a testament to the vision of Qatar’s leadership and the airline’s relentless pursuit of excellence in air travel.
Interesting Facts About Qatar Airways
- Launched the first Airbus A350 and the first airline to land the aircraft in the USA.
- Won numerous awards from Skytrax, including a 5-star rating. For instance, the World’s Best Business Class, the Best Airline Staff Service in the Middle East, and the Best Airline Lounge in 2016. It won the “Airline of the Year” award several times.
- The first international airline to offer minute-wise tracking of planes.
- Sponsors FC Barcelona and its select team member, Lionel Messi.
- Supports big sports teams and events, such as FC Bayern Munchen, AS Roma, and the FIFA World Cup.
- Operated the first modified new-gen Airbus A380 and Dreamliner aircraft.
- Operates one of the longest non-stop flights in the world—from Doha, Qatar, to Auckland, New Zealand—a distance of more than 14,500 kilometres in 18 hours.
Finally
The Qatar Airways logo has undergone a subtle yet significant evolution since its inception. It has transitioned from a symbol of a new airline to a recognised mark of quality and sophistication. The oryx, a symbol of strength and resilience, remains a constant. This symbol ties the logo to the national identity of Qatar. The colour scheme evokes a sense of luxury and refinement and aligns with the brand image of the airline. The enduring legacy of the logo lies in its ability to evolve while retaining its core identity. It reflects the journey of Qatar Airways from a regional carrier to a global aviation powerhouse.