SYDNEY- Qantas (QF) celebrates 90 years since operating Australia’s first international passenger flight from Brisbane (BNE) to Singapore (SIN) in 1935. The journey, which took three and a half days with 16 stops, marked the beginning of Australia’s global aviation footprint.
Qantas flies over 7.6 million international passengers annually across 56 routes to 34 destinations.
Photo: Aero Icarus | FlickrQantas 90 Years of First International Flight
On 17 April 1935, Qantas (QF) launched its first international service using a four-engine de Havilland DH86, carrying just 2 passengers and 3 crew from Brisbane (BNE) to Singapore (SIN).
From that single route, Qantas has expanded to 56 routes across 34 destinations in 25 countries.
Qantas has daily nonstop flights from Sydney (SYD), Melbourne (MEL), and Brisbane (BNE) to Singapore (SIN) and beyond. Key routes now include Los Angeles (LAX), London (LHR), and Tokyo (NRT).
Cam Wallace, Qantas CEO International, emphasized the significance of this achievement, stating that what once took three and a half days now takes just hours, with thousands of passengers flying daily between key global cities like Sydney and Singapore.
In 2024 alone, over 7.6 million travelers were served on Qantas’ international routes, from which almost 500K passengers traveled between Australia and Singapore.
To celebrate the 90th anniversary, Qantas unveiled historical content from its archives. Highlights include early uniforms, aircraft models, and promotional posters.
Additionally, Qantas introduced three limited-edition Business Class amenity kits featuring artwork from its archives.
These kits, available on select international flights from Sydney and Melbourne, will roll out in mid-2025, blending nostalgia with modern luxury.
Photo: Clément AlloingQantas Future Plan
Looking ahead, Qantas is preparing for more growth. CEO Cam Wallace emphasized the airline’s growth, noting:
- 2024: 7.6 million international passengers flown.
- 2025 Expansion: New routes from Melbourne (MEL) to Honolulu (HNL) and Sydney (SYD) to Sapporo (CTS).
- Project Sunrise: A350s will enable nonstop Sydney (SYD) to London (LHR) and New York (JFK) flights by 2026.
The airline is set to launch new international services, including Melbourne to Honolulu and Sydney to Sapporo.
These additions reflect Qantas’ strategy to meet growing travel demand and connect Australians to more destinations worldwide.
A major development on the horizon is the delivery of the airline’s next-generation Airbus A350 aircraft.
These planes will support Project Sunrise, Qantas’ ambitious ultra-long-haul initiative aimed at launching non-stop flights from Sydney to London and New York.
This project will significantly reduce travel time and redefine endurance in commercial aviation.
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The post Qantas Celebrates 90 Years of Australia’s First International Flight appeared first on Aviation A2Z.
