Our history
Read about the Qantas story, from our early days in Winton and Longreach in outback Queensland, to the Global airline we've become today. A few determined individuals overcame formidable obstacles to establish the Queensland and Northern Territory Aerial Services Ltd (QANTAS).
Early years - 1918-1938
In November 1920, Australian Flying Corps veterans Paul McGinness and Hudson Fysh envisaged an air service connecting Australia to the world. Queensland and Northern Territory Aerial Services Ltd was registered as a business on 16 November 1920.
Front line airline - 1939-1945
Despite having several aircraft transferred to the Royal Australian Air Force, Qantas continued to operate air services to Singapore and within Australia after war was declared in September 1939. Services to Singapore continued under wartime restrictions and passenger flights to New Zealand began in April 1940 with Tasman Empire Airways Limited (TEAL), part-owned by Qantas.
Post-war aviation - 1945-1958
Qantas faced difficult times after World War Two with an aging fleet and limited capital. In 1947, the decision was made to go into federal government ownership. A new fleet of Qantas Constellation airliners opened the Kangaroo Route flying all the way to London in December 1947. Other routes soon developed including Japan, Hong Kong and South Africa. Qantas domestic air services ceased in 1949 except to Norfolk Island and in New Guinea.
Jet age - 1959-1995
The jet age began for Qantas in 1959 with the delivery of the Boeing 707 airliner. The 1960s saw worldwide expansion of new destinations and air routes with Qantas ‘V-Jets’ opening new air pathways. During the 1960s, more migrants arrived in Australia by air than sea.
Privatisation - 1995-2019
Since privatisation, Qantas has continued to focus on safety and innovation, incorporating the best available technology. New aircraft including the Airbus A330, A380 and Boeing 787 Dreamliner joined the fleet. In an increasingly uncertain, competitive and challenging environment, Qantas continues to fly international passenger and freight services to every inhabited continent. Within Australia, the Qantas Group network links more towns, cities and regions than any other airline.
Centenary - 2020
From an outback airstrip to becoming one of the world’s leading airlines, Qantas celebrated 100 years as the Spirit of Australia on 16 November 2020.
A new era - 2020-today
Find out about the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, which presented the most challenging period in living memory for Qantas and the airline industry.
Looking to the future, Qantas and Airbus have committed to the establishment of a sustainable aviation fuels industry in Australia.
