About the British Airways Logo Logo

British Airways Logo: History, Meaning and Colors

Introduction

The British Airways logo — the Speedmarque ribbon — is the emblem of the UK’s flag carrier. Since 1974, the red-and-blue ribbon has marked the airline that flies the Union Jack, and its “To Fly. To Serve.” crest is aviation’s most storied motto.

If you are searching for the British Airways logo, you are looking for the mark of British Airways, formed in 1974. This article traces the history of the Speedmarque, explains its design, and breaks down the brand’s official colors.

British Airways Brand Overview

British Airways was formed in 1974 from BOAC and BEA; privatized in 1987. Heathrow’s home carrier, oneworld founder, and the airline behind the Concorde’s glory years. The Speedmarque (1997) and the Chatham Dockyard Union Flag tail (1997) define its livery. IAG-owned since 2011.

History of the British Airways Logo

The Speedmarque — the red-and-blue ribbon suggesting speed — was designed in 1997 by Newell and Sorrell as part of the “World Images” rebrand. It replaced the 1974 Speedwing. The ribbon’s red and blue echo the Union Jack; its forward sweep evokes the Concorde’s delta wing. It has flown unchanged for nearly 30 years.

British Airways Logo Meaning: What Does the Speedmarque Represent?

• The ribbon: Speed — the forward sweep of the jet age.
• Red and blue: The Union Jack — Britain’s colors, flown worldwide.
• The wave: The flag in motion — the tail fin’s Chatham Dockyard design.
• Elegance: “To Fly. To Serve.” — the motto in the mark’s DNA.

British Airways Logo Colors

British Airways’s palette is Union Jack red and blue.

Red, white, and blue — the colors of the flag on the tail.

Conclusion

The Speedmarque is the logo of Britain’s wings — a red-and-blue ribbon that’s flown the Union Jack since 1997. To fly, to serve, in the flag’s colors.

Looking for the logo files? Download the British Airways logo in SVG and transparent PNG formats from VectorDose.