Founded on May 20, 1933, as “State Airlines Administration” under the Ministry of National Defense, Turkish Airlines (Türk Hava Yolları in Turkish) began with a modest fleet of five aircraft. Over time, the airline transformed into a global aviation powerhouse and was renamed Türk Hava Yolları A.O. in 1956, with increased investment and an international outlook.
Turkish Airlines’ global hub is Istanbul Airport, which strategically connects flights from Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas. As of 2025, the airline operates to over 340 destinations and maintains one of the largest networks of international routes globally.
Turkish Airlines has also earned significant accolades, including “Best Airline in Europe” multiple times by Skytrax, and has built strategic partnerships through the Star Alliance network since joining in 2008.
Central to its brand recognition is the airline’s enduring logo, which has evolved to symbolize trust, motion, and cultural identity.
Turkish Airlines Logo Evolution
The Turkish Airlines logo has gone through multiple redesigns since the company’s inception. Each version reflects not only the aesthetic preferences of the era but also strategic shifts in branding and market positioning.
1933 – 1956
The original logo of Turkish Airlines was simple and emblematic of the early 20th-century design philosophy. It featured a basic emblem shaped like a bird, a common aviation motif signifying flight and freedom. Rendered in black and white, the logo included Turkish inscriptions and emphasized the airline’s national character.
While this version was primarily utilitarian, it marked the beginning of Turkish Airlines’ visual identity. The logo’s bird was thought to resemble a wild goose, symbolizing long-distance travel and endurance — values that remain integral to the brand.
1956 – 1964
In 1956, Turkish Airlines underwent a significant transformation as part of a broader structural reorganization and international expansion initiative. During this pivotal period, the airline introduced a redesigned logo that featured a more stylized bird emblem. This updated design embraced a bold, geometric aesthetic, reflecting the modernist design principles and global aviation trends of the mid-20th century.
While retaining the symbolic bird motif, the redesign introduced a circular enclosure around the figure—an element that enhanced visual unity and suggested a sense of global connectivity.
1964 – 1990
Perhaps the most significant change came in 1964, when the airline introduced the now-iconic wild goose in full profile. Designed by Mesut Manioğlu, this version introduced clean, minimalist lines and adopted a red-and-white palette — the national colors of Turkey.
The goose, soaring upward in a circle, embodied ambition, aspiration, and forward movement. This logo established a powerful brand association, and many consider it the first true “modern” Turkish Airlines logo.
1990 – 2008
In the 1990s, Turkish Airlines revamped its visual identity to better align with modern aviation branding. The wild goose and circle motif were retained, but the design was refined for clarity and scalability. The lines became more polished, and the use of negative space was optimized.
A key addition was the updated typeface: a clean, sans-serif font that appeared below the emblem in both Turkish and English. This marked Turkish Airlines’ commitment to becoming a recognizable brand on the international stage.
2008 – 2010
The airline underwent another minor update in 2008 as it joined the Star Alliance. The redesign maintained the same elements — the goose and red circle — but improved line sharpness and proportion. The typography was updated to use a bolder, more modern sans-serif font, conveying strength and authority.
The integration of the Star Alliance branding further reinforced Turkish Airlines’ growing presence in the global aviation market.
2010 – 2017
As the world moved toward digital platforms, Turkish Airlines refined its logo again in 2010 to ensure optimal visibility across digital media. The goose emblem became more stylized and refined, with better scalability on websites, mobile apps, and airline tickets.
Another key update was the removal of the circular frame that previously enclosed the emblem. This decision eliminated unnecessary visual boundaries and allowed the iconic wild goose motif to stand out more confidently. Alongside these structural adjustments, the color palette was softened—transitioning from a brighter hue to a more subdued pastel red—conveying a sense of sophistication and modernity.
The logotype, featuring “TURKISH AIRLINES” in all capital letters, remained faithful to its sans-serif typeface. This font choice continues to project a tone of reliability and modernism, reinforcing the airline’s image as a dependable global carrier. The use of a deeper blue in the text further enhances the brand’s emphasis on trust, security, and stability—qualities that are crucial in the aviation industry.
While the 2010 redesign did not radically alter the core elements of the Turkish Airlines brand, it successfully refreshed the logo’s aesthetic to align with contemporary design standards, signaling evolution while preserving tradition.
2018 – Present
Turkish Airlines has maintained the core elements of its iconic logo over time, yet its latest version introduces subtle but meaningful refinements. The most notable change is the repositioning of the brand’s emblem — the white bird — which now sits to the left of the airline’s name rather than above it. Additionally, the text color for “TURKISH AIRLINES” has reverted from sky blue back to a more classic and authoritative black.
At the heart of the Turkish Airlines logo is a powerful and elegant visual identity. A stylized white bird, soaring within a bold red circle, represents freedom, agility, and a forward-moving spirit. The red circle is deeply symbolic, reflecting energy, vitality, and passion — values aligned with both the brand’s dynamic growth and Turkey’s national colors.
The logotype, rendered in black capital letters using a clean sans-serif typeface, reinforces the airline’s commitment to modernity and professionalism. The choice of black conveys stability, confidence, and clarity, making the overall design visually striking and easily recognizable.
This refreshed logo, introduced in 2018, came at a pivotal moment in the company’s history. Turkish Airlines was actively broadening its global network, investing in cutting-edge technologies, and enhancing its customer experience to align with international aviation standards.
The design captures the spirit of this transformation. The white bird symbolizes the brand’s expansive vision and dedication to delivering superior service worldwide. Meanwhile, the red circle highlights the company’s energetic pursuit of innovation and its ambition to be a leading global carrier.
2019 – Present
In 2019, Turkish Airlines undertook a broader rebranding initiative alongside the opening of the new Istanbul Airport. While the logo itself was not drastically altered, the brand rolled out a cohesive visual identity system.
This included updated livery for aircraft, redesigned uniforms for crew members, and consistent application of branding across digital and physical platforms. The goose emblem remained central, signifying heritage and continuity, while the supporting design elements reinforced clarity, modernity, and global ambition.
The updated identity was well-received and continues to support Turkish Airlines’ positioning as a premium, innovative airline serving passengers across the globe.
FAQ’s
Who designed the Turkish Airlines goose logo?
The original wild goose emblem was created by Turkish artist Mesut Manioğlu in 1956. Since then, it has been modified but never replaced.
What does the wild goose in the Turkish Airlines logo symbolize?
The wild goose represents freedom, endurance, and global reach—qualities that resonate with the airline’s mission to connect the world through the skies.
Final thoughts,
From a modest fleet in 1933 to a globally recognized airline in 2025, Turkish Airlines has continually evolved in both service and identity. Its logo has followed a parallel trajectory — from rudimentary illustrations to iconic, modern emblems that echo the brand’s commitment to excellence, cultural roots, and innovation.
The goose, encased in a circle, has become one of the most recognized symbols in global aviation — a fitting representation of a company that connects continents and cultures. Turkish Airlines’ ability to stay relevant while honoring its heritage is a testament to the strength of its branding strategy and vision.
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