Oldest continuously operating airline in the world
Oldest continuously operating airline in the world
Qantas, founded in 1920, has a rich history spanning from early aviation to modern times. It revolutionized long-haul flying and continues to innovate.
In the year 1900, the Qantas Heritage Collection was established.
1918
Meeting of Paul McGinness and Hudson Fysh
In 1918, Gallipoli veterans Paul McGinness and Hudson Fysh met while serving with No. 1 Squadron, Australian Flying Corps in Palestine during the First World War.
1919
Qantas Enters 1919 Great Air Race
In 1919, Qantas founders W Hudson Fysh and Paul McGinness attempted to enter the Great Air Race, aiming to be the first Australians to fly from Great Britain to Australia and win the £10,000 prize.
1920-11-16
Qantas Founded in Winton, Queensland
Qantas, originally known as Queensland and Northern Territory Aerial Services Limited, was founded in Winton, Queensland on 16 November 1920. The airline was established by Paul McGinness, Sir Hudson Fysh, and Sir Fergus McMaster.
1921-11-16
Formation of Queensland and Northern Territory Aerial Services Ltd (Q.A.N.T.A.S)
Qantas was formed in Winton, Queensland with two aircraft, focusing on joy-flights and charter work. Grazier Fergus McMaster provided guidance and became the first Chairman.
1922-11-02
First Scheduled Qantas Service Arrives at Longreach
On November 2, 1922, the first scheduled Qantas service arrived at Longreach, marking a significant milestone in the airline's history.
1924
Introduction of enclosed passenger cabin on DH50 by Qantas
Qantas introduced an enclosed passenger cabin on the DH50 aircraft in 1924, bringing luxury to their services. This innovation marked a significant milestone in the history of Qantas.
1925
First Cloncurry-Mt Isa-Camooweal service carrying fresh butter and ice
The first Cloncurry-Mt Isa-Camooweal service by Qantas carried fresh butter and ice to inland residents.
1926
Qantas starts building DH50 aircraft under licence at Longreach
Qantas chief engineer, Arthur Baird, initiated a project to build Qantas DH50 aircraft under licence at Longreach. Qantas stood out as one of the few airlines to have built and operated its own aircraft.
1927
Qantas opens flying school at Eagle Farm airfield in Brisbane
In 1927, Qantas built a hangar at Eagle Farm airfield in Brisbane and opened a flying school. This marked the beginning of training apprentices and pilots, including Dorothy Reis, the first female pilot in Queensland.
1928
Qantas operates first flying doctor service for Australian Inland Mission
In 1928, Qantas was contracted to operate the first flying doctor service on behalf of Reverend John Flynn’s Australian Inland Mission. This service, based in Cloncurry, flew 225 patients in its inaugural year, showcasing the airline's commitment to community service.
1929
Qantas pilot Lester Brain discovers missing Kookaburra aircraft in Tanami Desert
In 1929, Qantas pilot Lester Brain located the missing Kookaburra aircraft in the Tanami Desert. The pilots, Keith Anderson and Bob Hitchcock, had tragically perished while searching for Charles Kingsford Smith and the Southern Cross, highlighting the risks of early aviation exploration.
1930
Qantas relocates head office to Brisbane and establishes maintenance operations at Archerfield
By 1930, Qantas had moved its head office to Brisbane and set up maintenance operations at Archerfield. This strategic move facilitated the airline's growth and operational efficiency.
1934-12
Formation of Qantas Empire Airways Limited
QANTAS Limited and Britain's Imperial Airways formed a new company, Qantas Empire Airways Limited (QEA), to operate flights between Brisbane and Darwin.
1935-05
International Flight Operations Begin
QEA started flying internationally from Darwin to Singapore, extending its services beyond Australia.
1936
Expansion of Qantas Services to Singapore
Qantas expanded its services to Singapore, increasing the frequency to twice weekly. This expansion was in preparation for the launch of a UK-Australia flying boat service.
1937
Arrival of Short Empire Flying Boat 'Centaurus'
The Short Empire flying boat 'Centaurus' landed on the Brisbane river after a route survey flight, attracting around 50,000 spectators in Sydney. This event showcased the new aircraft's capabilities.
1938-06
Shorts S.23 Empire flying boats join Qantas fleet
In June 1938, two Shorts S.23 Empire flying boats joined the Qantas fleet, along with the employment of the first flight attendant. These flying boats operated until 1944, contributing to the airline's growth and services.
1943-07-10
Resumption of Flying Boat Services
Qantas resumed flying boat services with American-built Consolidated PBY Catalinas, operating the 'Double Sunrise' service between Swan River, Perth and Koggala lake in Ceylon.
1944
Qantas introduces kangaroo logo on Liberator aircraft
The iconic Qantas kangaroo logo made its first appearance in 1944, painted on a Liberator aircraft to celebrate the renaming of the Indian Ocean Route to 'Kangaroo Service'. The design was adapted from the design on the reverse side of the contemporary one-penny coin.
1945
Qantas scheduled services to New Guinea and the Pacific Islands
Qantas flew the first scheduled services to New Guinea and the Pacific Islands with flying boats, DC3 and DH84 aircraft in 1945.
1947-12
Qantas Kangaroo Route to London
Qantas initiated through-services from Sydney to London on the Kangaroo Route in December, marking a significant milestone in long-haul air travel.
1948
Qantas Empire Airways L749 Constellation
In 1948, Qantas Empire Airways operated the L749 Constellation aircraft, contributing to the airline's expansion and modernization efforts during the post-war period.
1950
Death of Qantas Chairman Sir Fergus McMaster
The founding Chairman of Qantas, Sir Fergus McMaster, passed away. His leadership and vision had a lasting impact on the airline's development and growth.
1952
Death of Qantas co-founder Paul McGinness
Qantas co-founder Paul McGinness died in Perth, marking a significant loss for the airline. His contributions to the early success of Qantas were invaluable.
1954
Qantas Super Constellations trans-Pacific services
New Super Constellations operated the first Qantas trans-Pacific services between Sydney, San Francisco and Vancouver in 1954.
1955
Qantas' last Short Sandringham flying boat service
Qantas ends its Short Sandringham flying boat service from Rose Bay in Sydney.
1956
Qantas Orders Boeing 707-138 Jet Airliner
In 1956, Qantas placed an order for the Boeing 707-138 jet airliner, signaling a technological advancement in the airline's fleet. This decision paved the way for Qantas to introduce jet services.
1957
Qantas House opens in Sydney
The modern glass-fronted Qantas House is inaugurated in Sydney as the new Qantas head office.
1958-01-14
Qantas becomes the second round-the-world airline
In January 1958, Qantas became the second round-the-world airline, flying Super Constellations on both eastbound and westbound routes to London.
1959-07-29
First Jet Service by Qantas
On 29 July 1959, Qantas operated its first jet service from Sydney to San Francisco via Nadi and Honolulu. This marked a milestone in the airline's history of jet travel.
1961
Qantas purchases 707-138B variant with turbofan engines
Qantas acquired the 707-138B variant with turbofan engines in 1961, which were prominently painted in 'V-Jet' livery with red tailfins marked with the words 'V-Jet'. Actor John Travolta later acquired one of these aircraft and had it repainted in the V-Jet livery in 2002.
1966
Diversification into hotel business with Wentworth Hotel
In 1966, Qantas diversified its business by opening the 450-room Wentworth Hotel in Sydney.
1967
Qantas Airways Limited Established
The name Qantas Airways Limited was adopted in 1967, marking a significant milestone in the airline's history.
1974-12-25
Qantas evacuates 673 people on a single Boeing 747 flight
During Cyclone Tracy's devastation in Darwin in 1974, Qantas set a world record by evacuating 673 people on a single Boeing 747 flight, showcasing the airline's commitment to humanitarian efforts.
1979-03
Qantas introduces Business class
In March 1979, Qantas became the first airline in the world to introduce Business class, marking a significant milestone in the evolution of passenger services in the aviation industry.
1985
Introduction of Boeing 767-200 and Boeing 747-300
In 1985, Qantas introduced the Boeing 767-200 for New Zealand, Asia, and Pacific routes, along with the Boeing 747-300 featuring a stretched upper deck, enhancing the airline's fleet capabilities.
1989
Upgrade of Qantas Boeing 747 Fleet
In 1989, Qantas upgraded its Boeing 747 fleet with the arrival of the new Boeing 747-400 series. This modernization initiative enhanced the airline's operational capabilities.
1990
Establishment of Australia Asia Airlines
In 1990, Qantas established Australia Asia Airlines to operate services to Taiwan, marking a strategic move to expand its presence in the Asia-Pacific region.
1991
Australian government announces intention to sell 49% of Qantas
In 1991, the Australian government announced its intention to sell 49% of Qantas, leading to the process of privatization. This decision marked a significant shift in the ownership and management of the airline.
1992-08
Acquisition of Australian Airlines by Qantas
In August 1992, Qantas acquired Australian Airlines, gaining access to the national domestic market for the first time in its history and expanding its fleet with Boeing 737 and Airbus A300 aircraft.
1993-03
Privatization of Qantas
Qantas was privatized in March 1993, with British Airways acquiring a 25% stake in the airline, marking a significant shift in the ownership structure of the Australian carrier.
1995
Privatisation of Qantas
Since privatisation in 1995, Qantas has focused on safety and innovation, incorporating the best available technology. New aircraft like the Airbus A330, A380, and Boeing 787 Dreamliner joined the fleet.
1998
Qantas co-founds Oneworld alliance
In 1998, Qantas co-founded the Oneworld alliance with other major airlines, including American Airlines, British Airways, and Cathay Pacific. This strategic partnership enhanced Qantas' global network and connectivity.
2000
Order of Airbus A380-800s
In 2000, Qantas ordered twelve Airbus A380-800s, demonstrating the airline's commitment to modernizing its fleet and offering enhanced services to passengers.
2001-09-14
Collapse of Ansett Australia
On 14 September 2001, the collapse of Ansett Australia led to Qantas significantly increasing its market share, positioning the airline as the dominant player in the Australian aviation industry.
2002
Qantas launches Australian Airlines
In 2002, Qantas started an international subsidiary airline called Australian Airlines, which unfortunately had to be shut down four years later due to financial difficulties.
2003
Qantas Expansion into New Zealand Market
Qantas expanded into the New Zealand domestic air travel market, first with a shareholding in Air New Zealand and then with a franchise takeover of Ansett New Zealand.
2004-12-13
Launch of Jetstar Asia
The first flight of Jetstar Asia took off from its Singapore hub to Hong Kong, marking Qantas' entry into the Asian cut-price market.
2005-12-14
Qantas Orders Boeing 787 Aircraft
Qantas announced an order for 115 Boeing 787-8 and 787-9 aircraft, allowing the airline to replace its Boeing 767-300 fleet, increase capacity, and establish new routes.
2006-12
Failed Bid from Airline Partners Australia
Qantas was the subject of a failed bid from a consortium called Airline Partners Australia in December 2006, which ultimately failed in April 2007.
2008-07-01
Qantas Becomes Shareholder in Jetset Travelworld Group
Qantas became a 58% shareholder in the Jetset Travelworld Group on 1 July 2008, creating a vertically integrated travel company with retail, wholesale, and corporate sales arms.
2008-09-19
First Qantas Airbus A380 Handover
Qantas received its first Airbus A380 at a ceremony on 19 September 2008, with plans to potentially order more. The aircraft landed in Sydney on 21 September and commenced its first route from Melbourne to Los Angeles in October 2008.
2008-12-18
Qantas and British Airways Merger Talks
British Airways and Qantas discussed a possible merger in December 2008, aiming to create the largest airline company if combined with Iberia Airlines. However, the merger was called off due to ownership issues.
2008-12-29
Qantas Last Boeing 747-300 Service
Qantas operated its final scheduled Boeing 747-300 service on 29 December 2008, marking the end of over 24 years of operations with the aircraft model.
2012
Qantas and Emirates Commercial Agreement
In 2012, a Commercial Agreement was signed between Qantas and Emirates to form the world’s leading airline partnership.
2013-04-16
New Qantas Staff Uniforms by Martin Grant
Qantas unveiled new staff uniforms designed by Martin Grant in April 2013, featuring colors of navy blue, red, and fuchsia pink. The design was aimed to represent Australian style globally.
2014
Qantas Named Safest Airline by AirlineRatings.com
In 2014, Qantas was named the safest airline in the world by AirlineRatings.com, with a seven-star rating for safety and in-flight product.
2015
Qantas Partnership with HBO
In 2015, Qantas partnered with HBO to offer its customers popular TV shows and programs.
2016
Unveiling of New Livery and Logo for Qantas Airbus A330-300
In 2016, Qantas unveiled a new livery for their Airbus A330-300 featuring an updated kangaroo logo and exclusive typography designed by Marc Newson in partnership with Houston Group. The design included a silver band for a premium feel, streamlined typography, and enhancements to the Flying Kangaroo symbol.
2017
Qantas Receives First Boeing B787 Dreamliner
In 2017, Qantas received its first Boeing B787 Dreamliner, configured with 236 seats across Business, Premium Economy, and Economy Class.
2018-03-24
First Non-Stop Flight Australia-Europe
Qantas operated the first ever non-stop commercial flight between Australia and Europe on 24 March 2018, with a 17-hour journey from Perth to London Heathrow.
2018-03-25
Qantas First Airline to Connect Australia and Europe by Direct Air Link
On March 25, 2018, with the new Boeing B787 Dreamliners, Qantas became the first airline to connect Australia and Europe by a direct air link.
2019
Qantas Airbus A380 Refurbishment Program
In 2019, Qantas started the Airbus A380 refurbishment program to upgrade its cabins with new suites, seats, and inflight entertainment.
2020-01-01
Impact of COVID-19 on Qantas and the airline industry
The COVID-19 pandemic posed significant challenges for Qantas and the airline industry, marking one of the most difficult periods in recent history.
2020-03-19
Qantas Flight Suspension due to COVID-19 Pandemic
On March 19, 2020, Qantas announced the suspension of all international flights and a significant reduction in domestic flights due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
2020-11-16
Qantas Centenary Celebration
Qantas celebrated its 100th anniversary on 16 November 2020, marking a journey from an outback airstrip to becoming one of the world's leading airlines.
2021-10-31
Qantas Resumes International Flights to 22 Destinations
From October 31, 2021, Qantas planned to resume flights to 22 of its pre-COVID international destinations, excluding some direct flights initially.
2022-03-02
Qantas Airbus Order for Project Winton
Qantas placed a major order with Airbus for 20 Airbus A321XLR aircraft and 20 Airbus A220-300 in March 2022, with additional purchase rights for more narrowbody aircraft.
2023-08-24
Qantas announces order for aircraft under Project Fysh
Qantas placed an order for four 787-9, eight 787-10, and 12 Airbus A350-1000 aircraft for international service under Project Fysh. These new aircraft will replace the Airbus A330 and A380 in the Qantas fleet in the future.
2024-04-11
Qantas pauses Perth to London route
Qantas decided to halt the Perth to London route due to the anticipation of a potential Iranian attack on Israel.