Designer: | Unknown |
Country: | Sweden |
Decade: | 1950 |
Dimensions: | 98.8 x 62.0 cm | 38.897637795120005 x 24.4094488188 inches |
Condition: | Very good | | B + |
Linen backed | |
Publisher: | SAS Scandinavian Airline System NWA Nortwest Airlines |
Printed by: | Törnbloms / Esselte STHML |
Category: |
Airline/Aviation |
This is a striking and rare original vintage airline poster from 1950, jointly issued by Scandinavian Airlines System (SAS) and Northwest Airlines (NWA). Its bold, streamlined design reflects the optimism and excitement of early postwar commercial aviation, showcasing two gleaming aircrafts soaring across a turquoise sky—likely a Douglas DC-6 and a Boeing 377 Stratocruiser, both celebrated for long-distance comfort and cutting-edge technology of the time.
The poster's dynamic composition uses simple geometric forms and strong typography. Dominating the upper portion are the sleek fuselages of two airliners, each emblazoned with massive “SAS” and “NWA” text along the body, symbolizing their close cooperation. Below, a stylized globe highlights Europe and North America in pink and deep blue hues, visually connecting the continents.
Promotional text stretches across the poster: “Fly SAS-NWA to 40 cities in the USA – Be there tomorrow!”—a thrilling proposition in the era before jet engines, when such speed still seemed like a marvel.
At the bottom, the airline names are prominently displayed: Scandinavian Airlines System and Northwest Airlines, anchoring the message in brand confidence and international reach.
The poster is in good condition for its age, with a repaired tear at the bottom and a scratch in the upper left. It’s been linen-mounted for preservation and would make a bold, nostalgic statement when framed. An excellent piece of aviation and graphic design history.