Why is the airline called Qantas?
The name Qantas comes from Queensland and Northern Territory Aerial Services, the airline's original name when it was founded in Winton, Queensland, in 1920. It is one of the world's oldest airlines.
The airline was founded by Hudson Fysh, Paul McGinness and Fergus McMaster. Early operations moved to Longreach, where the company built its first aircraft hangar.
Qantas began by flying mail and passengers across outback Queensland. Its early services were vital for remote communities where travel by road was slow and difficult.
Growth into a national airline
In the 1930s, Qantas partnered with Imperial Airways to fly between Australia and Britain, part of what became known as the Kangaroo Route. The airline was nationalized by the Australian government in 1947 and privatized in 1995.
Qantas introduced the Boeing 747 in 1971 and later became known for its strong safety record. The flying kangaroo logo is one of the most recognizable symbols of Australia.
The Qantas Founders Museum in Longreach tells the history of the airline and includes historic aircraft, such as a Boeing 747 and a Boeing 707.
Did You Know?
Qantas is sometimes called the Spirit of Australia, a phrase used in its advertising.