Qantas

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Australia's flag carrier and one of the world's oldest continuously operating airlines.

Last updated August 27, 2026

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First read: Nov 4, 2026
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Overview

Qantas Airways Limited, commonly known as Qantas, is Australia's flag-carrier airline and the principal full-service brand of the Qantas Group. The company traces its origins to 16 November 1920, when Queensland and Northern Territory Aerial Services Limited was established in Winton, Queensland. The acronym QANTAS was retained as the business expanded beyond its original regional role, and the airline is still widely associated with its kangaroo emblem and the slogan “Spirit of Australia.” Qantas began as an inland and regional aviation service, moving its headquarters to Longreach in 1921 and later to Brisbane. In 1934 it formed Qantas Empire Airways with Britain's Imperial Airways, creating the basis for long-distance international operations. The new airline began flying between Brisbane and Darwin and extended services to Singapore in 1935, with onward connections to Britain provided by Imperial Airways. During the Second World War, aircraft and personnel were heavily committed to government and military operations, and much of the fleet was lost or requisitioned. The airline resumed long-distance flying after the war, including flying-boat services and the celebrated Kangaroo Route linking Australia with Europe. The Australian government nationalised Qantas Empire Airways in 1947. Qantas consequently became primarily an international carrier, while its former Queensland domestic network was transferred to the government-owned Trans-Australia Airlines. The company entered the jet age in 1959 with the Boeing 707, and later operated major generations of Boeing and Airbus wide-body aircraft. The current corporate entity, Qantas Airways Limited, was incorporated in 1967. Qantas merged with Australian Airlines in 1992 and was progressively privatised between 1993 and 1997. In the modern market, Qantas operates domestic and international passenger services, freight operations, lounges, loyalty services and related aviation businesses. The group also owns Jetstar Airways, a large low-cost airline serving Australia, New Zealand and international markets, and uses QantasLink-branded regional operators. Qantas is a founding member of the Oneworld alliance and maintains codeshare and commercial relationships with airlines around the world. Its Australian network reaches major cities, regional centres and selected territories, while international services connect Australia with destinations across Asia, Europe, Africa and the Americas. Qantas has also operated scenic Antarctic flights that do not land. The brand's principal competitive strengths are its national identity, extensive Australian domestic network, long-haul capability, loyalty ecosystem and reputation for operational safety. Its premium proposition includes First, Business, Premium Economy and Economy cabins, airport lounges and the Qantas Frequent Flyer program. Qantas has pursued ultra-long-haul flying through Perth–London services, the Project Sunrise program and planned Airbus A350 operations intended to connect Australia's eastern cities directly with Europe and North America. It also maintains a substantial fleet-renewal program involving Airbus A220, A320neo, A321neo and A350 aircraft and Boeing 787 aircraft. The COVID-19 pandemic caused an unprecedented contraction. In 2020 Qantas suspended most international flying, sharply reduced domestic services, grounded aircraft and announced thousands of job reductions and new capital. Boeing 747 operations ended in 2020, and the airline's Airbus A380 fleet was placed into long-term storage before selected aircraft returned after refurbishment. Recovery brought renewed growth but also operational disruption, industrial-relations disputes, regulatory scrutiny and criticism over customer service and executive remuneration. Qantas remains active as Australia's principal airline brand, although its precise fleet, routes, leadership and financial position change over time.

History

Qantas was founded in Queensland in November 1920 by Hudson Fysh, Paul McGinness and Fergus McMaster as Queensland and Northern Territory Aerial Services Limited. Its early work connected remote communities and mail routes in northern Australia. The company moved from Winton to Longreach in 1921 and later to Brisbane in 1930. A decisive transformation occurred in 1934, when Qantas joined with Imperial Airways to create Qantas Empire Airways. International flying began between Brisbane, Darwin and Singapore, with Imperial Airways providing the onward European connection. War service disrupted the young airline: aircraft were requisitioned, routes were interrupted and much of the fleet was destroyed or lost. After the war, Qantas rebuilt its international network, introduced flying-boat operations and developed the Kangaroo Route to Britain. The kangaroo symbol became a central part of its identity. Nationalisation in 1947 changed the company's role. The Australian government acquired Qantas Empire Airways and transferred Qantas's domestic Queensland network to Trans-Australia Airlines. Qantas thereafter concentrated on international routes. The airline expanded to Asian destinations and opened Qantas House in Sydney in 1957. In 1959 it received its first Boeing 707, beginning the jet era and enabling faster, longer-range international service. Qantas Airways Limited was incorporated in 1967. Over subsequent decades the airline operated Boeing 747s, Airbus A330s, Airbus A380s and Boeing 787s, while developing a reputation for long-distance flying. It merged with Australian Airlines in 1992, began rebranding that airline's aircraft as Qantas in 1993 and was privatised in stages from 1993 to 1997. Qantas helped establish the Oneworld alliance in 1998. Competitive pressure from Virgin Blue and other low-cost operators led to the creation of Jetstar in 2001. The group subsequently expanded the Jetstar model through associated airlines in Asia and Japan. Qantas also sought strategic partnerships and growth opportunities, although a proposed takeover by Airline Partners Australia failed in 2006 and merger discussions with British Airways did not produce an agreement. The airline continued to emphasize long-haul innovation. In 2018 it began Perth–London non-stop Boeing 787 services, and in 2019 operated a research flight from New York to Sydney that lasted more than 19 hours. The company later advanced Project Sunrise, a plan for direct services from Australia's eastern capitals to London and New York using Airbus A350 aircraft. The pandemic created the largest operational shock in the company's history. In 2020 Qantas suspended nearly all international services, reduced domestic flying, placed more than 150 aircraft into storage and announced job cuts and capital raising. Its final Boeing 747 flights took place that year, while its A380 fleet was stored. Qantas subsequently rebuilt its network and returned refurbished A380s to service, but the recovery was accompanied by complaints about cancellations, delays, customer-service performance, outsourcing, executive pay and governance. In the 2020s the airline has combined fleet renewal and ultra-long-haul ambitions with efforts to restore operational reliability and public trust.

2022
Project Sunrise fleet order
[1]Qantasen.wikipedia.org
Qantas orders twelve Airbus A350-1000 aircraft intended for future ultra-long-haul services.
2020
Pandemic network suspension and 747 retirement
[1]Qantasen.wikipedia.org
Qantas suspends most international flying and retires its last Boeing 747 aircraft.
2018
First regular non-stop Australia–Europe service
[1]Qantasen.wikipedia.org
A Boeing 787 begins regular Perth–London non-stop service.
2001
Jetstar is established
[1]Qantasen.wikipedia.org
The Qantas Group launches Jetstar as a low-cost airline brand.
1998
Oneworld is co-founded
[1]Qantasen.wikipedia.org
Qantas joins American Airlines, British Airways, Canadian Airlines and Cathay Pacific in founding Oneworld.
1992
Merger with Australian Airlines
[1]Qantasen.wikipedia.org
Qantas merges with the national domestic carrier Australian Airlines.
1959
Jet age begins
[1]Qantasen.wikipedia.org
Qantas receives its first Boeing 707 and begins jet operations.
1947
Nationalisation
[1]Qantasen.wikipedia.org
The Australian government nationalises Qantas Empire Airways and transfers its domestic network to Trans-Australia Airlines.
1934
Qantas Empire Airways is formed
[1]Qantasen.wikipedia.org
Qantas and Imperial Airways create a joint airline that becomes the foundation of Qantas's international network.
1920
QANTAS is founded
[1]Qantasen.wikipedia.org
Queensland and Northern Territory Aerial Services Limited is established in Winton, Queensland, on 16 November.

Products and positioning

Premium, safety-led national flag carrier combining a broad Australian domestic network with long-haul international services and a strong national identity.

Scheduled passenger airline · 1920
Qantas Mainline
The principal full-service Qantas operation provides domestic trunk routes and international services. Its offering spans Economy, Premium Economy, Business and, on selected aircraft, First Class. The network links Australian capitals and regional points with destinations in Asia, Europe, Africa and the Americas.
Regional airline services
QantasLink
QantasLink is the Qantas regional operating and marketing brand. Services connect regional and remote Australian communities with capital cities and larger domestic airports through several operating entities and aircraft types.
Loyalty program · 1987
Qantas Frequent Flyer
Qantas Frequent Flyer is the group's loyalty program, allowing members to earn and redeem points through flights and participating partners. It supports the wider Qantas premium proposition and provides status-based travel benefits, lounge access and other privileges.
Air freight
Qantas Freight
Qantas Freight provides cargo capacity and logistics services using dedicated freighter operations as well as belly-hold capacity on passenger aircraft. The business serves domestic and international freight markets.
Premium cabin
Qantas First Class
Available on selected Airbus A380 aircraft, Qantas First Class provides individual suites, lie-flat sleeping arrangements, premium dining, entertainment and lounge access. The product is positioned at the top of the airline's long-haul cabin hierarchy.
Ultra-long-haul program · 2017
Project Sunrise
Project Sunrise is Qantas's program for non-stop services from Australia's eastern cities to destinations including London and New York. The program is based on Airbus A350-1000 aircraft and is intended to reduce the need for intermediate stops on the longest routes.

Controversies

2023
Cancelled-flight ticket allegations
The ACCC alleged that Qantas sold tickets for flights after they had been cancelled, producing regulatory and reputational consequences.
Source
2023
Shareholder rejection of remuneration report
A large majority of shareholders voted against Qantas's remuneration report amid criticism of leadership, service performance and corporate conduct.
Source
2020
Ground-services outsourcing dispute
The outsourcing of approximately 2,000 ground-services roles during the pandemic was later found by the Federal Court to have contravened workplace protections because it was undertaken partly to prevent industrial action.
Source
2011
Fleet grounding during industrial dispute
Qantas grounded its entire passenger fleet during a dispute with unions over workplace arrangements, disrupting passengers and leading to government and industrial-relations intervention.
Source

2023Project Sunrise
Australia · United Kingdom · United States
Qantas promoted its planned direct eastern-Australia services to London and New York as a response to the geographic distance separating Australia from major international markets.
Outcome. Airbus A350 aircraft were ordered for the planned operation.
Source
2018Perth–London non-stop service
Australia · United Kingdom
Qantas launched regular non-stop Boeing 787 service between Perth and London, presenting the route as evidence of Australian long-haul capability.
Outcome. Established a commercially important ultra-long-haul route and supported the Project Sunrise narrative.
Source
1944Kangaroo Route
Australia · Asia · Europe
Qantas developed a long-distance route linking Australia with Britain through intermediate stops. The route established the kangaroo as a durable symbol of the airline and its international identity.
Outcome. Became a defining part of Qantas's global brand heritage.
Source

Brand decisions

2022
Airbus A350 order for Project SunriseProduct launch
Background
Qantas sought to restore direct links from Australia's eastern capitals to Europe and North America.
Action taken
The airline ordered twelve Airbus A350-1000 aircraft for planned ultra-long-haul services.
Aftermath
The order advanced the Project Sunrise program, with planned services subject to aircraft delivery and operational preparation.
Source
2020
Pandemic restructuringStrategy
Background
Government travel restrictions caused the collapse of most international demand and severely reduced domestic flying.
Action taken
Qantas suspended international services, reduced domestic capacity, stored aircraft, cut jobs and raised new capital.
Aftermath
The airline gradually rebuilt its network, while the restructuring generated continuing industrial and political controversy.
New capital raised. A$1.9 billion (2020)
Source
2018
Perth–London non-stop serviceProduct launch
Background
Advances in aircraft range made commercially viable non-stop travel between Australia and Europe possible.
Action taken
Qantas introduced regular Boeing 787 service between Perth and London.
Aftermath
The route became a foundation for further ultra-long-haul planning.
Source
2001
Launch of JetstarStrategy
Background
Low-cost competition was intensifying in Australia's domestic aviation market.
Action taken
Qantas created Jetstar as a separate low-cost airline brand.
Aftermath
Jetstar became a major part of the Qantas Group and later expanded into international and regional markets.
Source

Recent events

Unconfirmed
Qantas launches week-long New Zealand sale with one-way fares from $289[5]澳洲航空推出为期一周的新西兰大促，单程票价289澳元起miragenews.com
Qantas launched a week-long New Zealand sale in partnership with Tourism New Zealand, offering one-way Economy fares from $289 between the Gold Coast and Auckland and from $359 from Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane, for travel on selected dates between November 2026 and September 2027. Between 1 and 28 October 2026, Frequent Flyers can also earn seven Qantas Points per $1 spent on a hotel stay with Qantas Hotels.
2022.02.22
Reported2022.02.22
Qantas Business Money service launch announced[6]Qantas Business Money服务推出消息smartcompany.com.au
Airwallex and Qantas announced Qantas Business Money, a service for eligible Qantas Business Rewards members offering global payment capabilities and points. The article reports that it followed a successful trial with 170 businesses.
2022.02.22
Reported2022.02.22
Airwallex and Qantas partner on Qantas Business Money[6]Qantas Business Money服务推出消息smartcompany.com.au
Airwallex partnered with Qantas on Qantas Business Money, a service for eligible Qantas Business Rewards members that allows SMEs to make global payments and earn points. The service launch followed a successful trial with 170 businesses.
Unconfirmed
Reported2022.01.31
Qantas opens Brisbane Flight Training Centre[7]Qantas启用布里斯班飞行训练中心australianaviation.com.au
Qantas announced the official opening of its newest Flight Training Centre in Brisbane, where it will soon begin training up to 900 pilots per year using four simulators.
2021.11.26
Reported2021.11.26
Qantas announces green tier for loyalty members[8]Qantas宣布为会员推出绿色等级brisbanetimes.com.au
Qantas announced that from the following year, loyalty members could qualify for green tier status through listed actions to reduce or offset their footprint, unlocking bonus points and status credits.
2021.10.15
Reported2021.10.15
AustralianSuper consortium to acquire Qantas redevelopment site[9]AustralianSuper财团将收购Qantas重建用地financialstandard.com.au
AustralianSuper, as part of a consortium, announced it would acquire a 14-hectare redevelopment site from Qantas Airways for $802 million.
2021.09.20
Reported2021.09.20
Qantas offers sale fares and a $20 travel voucher[10]Qantas推出特价机票及20澳元旅行代金券nine.com.au
Qantas offered fares from $99 each way on routes including Melbourne–Sydney and regional routes between Victoria and New South Wales. The Qantas Group also offered fully vaccinated travellers a $20 voucher usable on Jetstar or Qantas flights.
2021.08.24
Reported2021.08.24
Qantas launches vaccination reward campaign[11]Qantas推出疫苗接种奖励活动futuretravelexperience.com
Qantas Group launched a reward campaign for fully vaccinated Australian-based frequent flyers, offering points, status credits or a flight discount and entry into a prize draw.
2021.08.03
Reported2021.08.03
Qantas launches online auction house[12]Qantas推出线上拍卖平台traveldailymedia.com
Qantas launched an online auction house and said it would auction items including a pair of old A380 business-class seats in a points-for-prizes sale.
2021.05.12
Reported2021.05.12
Qantas announces a one-off supermoon scenic flight[13]Qantas宣布推出一次性超级月亮观景航班traveldailymedia.com
Qantas announced a planned one-off B787 Dreamliner scenic flight later in May to give passengers a view of the supermoon. The three-hour flight was scheduled for May 26, and tickets were to go on sale May 12.

Sources36 sources

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