Emblems of the Airways: Airline Uniform Insignia

Emblems of the Airways: Airline Uniform Insignia

Recognized the world over as emblems of the intrepid aviator, uniform insignia have identified qualified pilots for nearly a century. Just prior to and during World War I, armed forces began to award insignia to their trained aviators, the design of which was informed by military uniform standards established during the late nineteenth century. Commercial airlines launched soon after World War I tended to follow these insignia traditions. Jacket pins (also known as wings) issued by the airlines usually included the carrier’s logo and or logotype emblazoned on a centerpiece or shield, with wings on both sides for pilots and one wing for cabin crews. Like military insignia, stars and wreaths often denoted senior pilots. Cap badges usually comprised a shield with the company logo and often included wings. Airline agents, mechanics, and other ground crew and support personnel wore similar, yet frequently wingless insignia. Most insignia were made of gold or silver by major jewelry manufacturers, many of which were located in Attleboro, Massachusetts (once known as the jewelry capital of the world). Emblems of the Airways presents a large collection of uniform insignia representing varied worldwide domestic and international airlines from the 1920s to the 1980s.

© 2012 by San Francisco Airport Commission. All rights reserved.