Auckland Airport

The power of renewal

With a bold 10 year vision and New Zealand’s largest infrastructure renewal programme underway, Auckland Airports needed a brand that reflected their future, not just their past. Previously seen as corporate at best, confused at worst - we set out to create an iconic and cohesive brand positioning and identity that could better showcase the range and impact of their changing world, with exciting new opportunities to shop, play, park and stay. A new identity that could help position them as a destination brand, not just a gateway. At the heart of the new identity is the AKL place identifier. Proudly connecting the airport to its aviation roots and it’s place in the world. Built around this is a vibrant suite of colours icons and bespoke typography that reflects an experience that always has something new and interesting to offer. Brand identity as an inspiring platform for all they have to offer, and all that is to come.

An iconic graphic with a deeper level of consideration. Creating an authentic connection to place and signalling the future direction of our airport and precinct. An AKL that is connected to us.

A custom display typeface inspired by the interaction of light with the natural environment throughout the day. Each font catches the light in different ways like a sundial.

32 individual fonts,organised across 4 sub families. Each family consists of four weights (Light, Regular, Medium, Bold) and matching italics.

A wide range of styles that allows us to tailor our voice to our audience. Created in collaboration with Monolith.

A colour palette that draws directly from the shifting Tāmaki skyscape. Adaptable gradients that capture the vast spectrum of light throughout the day and are inherently of this place.

“AKL is more than three letters. It is how we represent this place: the airport and the home we belong to, Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland. A gateway to here and beyond, to home and whānau, to further adventures and experiences yet to be lived. AKL is where we say ka kite — goodbye and kia ora — hello, with tears and smiles filling the space in between. AKL isn’t just an airport code, it is our place mark. AKL is memorable, meaningful and universal.”