Qantas Airways

Qantas Airways – Overview

Qantas Airways Limited is the flag carrier of Australia and one of the world’s oldest continuously operating airlines. Established in 1920 as the Queensland and Northern Territory Aerial Services (QANTAS), the airline has grown from a small regional service to a global aviation leader known for safety, service quality, and long-haul operations.

Quick Facts

• Founded: November 1920

• Headquarters: Mascot, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia

• Hub Airports:

  • Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport (SYD)

  • Melbourne Airport (MEL)

  • Brisbane Airport (BNE)

• IATA Code: QF

• ICAO Code: QFA

• Slogan: The Spirit of Australia

• Alliance: Oneworld Alliance (since 1999)

• Fleet Size: Over 120 aircraft (including subsidiaries)

• Destinations: 85+ destinations worldwide (domestic & international)

History Highlights

1. 1920 – Founded in Winton, Queensland, focusing on air mail and passenger services in rural Australia.

2. 1935 – Began its first international route between Brisbane and Singapore.

3. 1947 – Nationalized by the Australian government.

4. 1974 – Operated the world’s first all-Boeing 747 fleet for long-haul services.

5. 1995 – Launched Qantas.com, among the earliest airline websites.

6. 2018 – Operated the first non-stop commercial flight between Perth and London.

Services & Features

• Cabin Classes: Economy, Premium Economy, Business Class, First Class.

• Frequent Flyer Program: Qantas Frequent Flyer (with tier levels – Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum, Platinum One).

• In-Flight Entertainment: Qantas Entertainment offers movies, TV shows, music, and Wi-Fi on selected flights.

• Dining: Seasonal menus designed by renowned Australian chefs, complemented by premium Australian wines.

International Operations in India

Qantas Airways resumed flights to India in 2021 after a long gap, strengthening Australia–India connectivity.

• Key Routes: Sydney ⇄ Delhi, Melbourne ⇄ Delhi (seasonal)

• Operates mainly non-stop flights between Australia and India, avoiding traditional stopovers in Southeast Asia.

Awards & Recognition

• Consistently ranked among the world’s safest airlines by AirlineRatings.com.

• Recognized for operational excellence and customer satisfaction.

• Holds one of the best on-time performance records among major international carriers.

Fun Facts

• Qantas is the third-oldest airline still in operation (after KLM and Avianca).

• Known for ultra-long-haul flights, Qantas is testing the “Project Sunrise” program to operate non-stop flights from Sydney and Melbourne to London and New York by 2026.

• Its iconic red kangaroo logo has been in use since 1944, symbolizing Australian heritage.