The iconic Qantas Kangaroo is getting a makeover in preparation for the Boeing 787 Dreamliner which is due to enter the fleet a year from now.
The game changing Boeing 787 Dreamliner is the latest in aircraft technology and will fly more passengers and cargo farther than before. With 154.4m3 of cargo capability, long haul air freight has become even more accessible.
The logo change is only the fifth time the red-and-white image on the tail of Qantas aircraft has been updated since it was first introduced in 1944.
Updates in the past have also occurred around the introduction of innovative new aircraft to the fleet. The last update was in 2007 to coincide with the introduction of the Airbus A380 to the Qantas fleet.
Qantas Group CEO, Alan Joyce, revealed the new design to a hangar of around 1,000 employees and guests in Sydney.
“Since the image of a kangaroo first appeared on a Qantas aircraft more than 80 years ago, it’s come to represent the spirit of Australia. When passengers see the Qantas tail at airports around the world, it’s a symbol of home,” said Mr Joyce.
“A fresh brand helps symbolise the new era Qantas is entering as we head towards our centenary. It’s an era of new destinations, new technology and a new standard of service.”
In an interesting link to the airline’s heritage, the classic winged kangaroo that appeared on tails across three decades will feature under the cockpit window and incorporate the individual name of each aircraft.
Detail on initial Qantas Dreamliner destinations will be revealed in coming months, with the first international flights on sale before Christmas. The aircraft will gradually take over routes currently operated by the airline’s B747 fleet as well as adding new city-pairs to the Qantas International network.