Qantas has stepped back in time, celebrating the best of past and future by unveiling its first ever “retro” inspired livery on one of its brand new Boeing 737 aircraft.
Designed as a flying tribute to 70 years of the widely recognised flying kangaroo logo, the paint job was unveiled in Seattle with Qantas Ambassador and self-confessed aviation enthusiast, John Travolta on hand.
The iconic symbol of home to millions of intrepid Australian travellers, celebrates its 70th anniversary, something group executive for brand, marketing and corporate affairs, Olivia Wirth said is not only for the famous logo and the airline’s proud heritage but a reminder of the pioneering role that Qantas has held in the global aviation market.
“For 70 years our logo has been a symbol of aviation innovation, but also a reminder that home is never far away,” Wirth said.
Describing the 1970s livery as a “bit of a time warp”, Wirth added that it is the perfect way to highlight the years of experience behind the contemporary airline Qantas is today.
Travolta said the retro livery has brought back lots of memories for him, and it was “great to see a piece of Qantas history flying in the sky today.”
The signature element of the 1971-1984 livery design was the ochre band around the window line of the aircraft, reflecting the colours of the outback where Qantas was established in 1920.
The winged kangaroo logo that appears on the tail was adapted from the original 1947 version designed by Gert Sellheim, before in the flying kangaroo discarded its wings in 1984 and evolved to its current slender and stylised form.
The retro 737 will operate across all Qantas domestic routes from 20 November, acting as a flying reminder of where Qantas has come from, as well as showing new generations of young Australians some of the history behind Australia’s biggest airline.
