Qantas Celebrates 90 Years of International Flights: From Two Passengers to Millions Connecting the World
Qantas marks 90 years since its first international flight, a key milestone that reflects the evolution of commercial aviation and the airline’s role as a bridge between Australia and the world. What began as a three-and-a-half-day journey between Brisbane and Singapore with just two passengers has grown into a global network transporting millions.
From Brisbane to Singapore in 1935: The Dawn of an Era
On April 17, 1935, Qantas operated Australia’s first international passenger flight. Aboard a DH86 aircraft, the airline connected Brisbane to Singapore via 16 stops over three and a half days. Only two passengers were on that historic flight.
At the time, the achievement was monumental: flying beyond the country was an adventure that demanded time, meticulous planning, and complex logistics. That inaugural journey marked the beginning of what would eventually become a global network.
From Pioneers to Global Leaders
Today, nearly a century later, more than 273 million people have flown internationally with Qantas. The airline now operates 56 routes connecting 34 destinations across 25 countries, solidifying its role as Australia’s aerial ambassador.
In 2024 alone, over 7.6 million customers traveled on Qantas international flights, highlighting the exponential growth of the sector and the airline’s ability to adapt and lead.
Cam Wallace, CEO of Qantas International, reflected on this progress: “Our first international flight took over three days to reach Singapore from Brisbane, with just a handful of passengers and more than 15 stops. Today, we carry thousands of people daily on non-stop services between Australia and Singapore.”
Growth and New Destinations for 2025
The 90th anniversary isn’t just about looking back. Qantas envisions a dynamic future with further expansion. This year, the airline will add new routes such as Melbourne-Honolulu and Sydney-Sapporo, reinforcing its commitment to strategic destinations in the Pacific and Asia.
Additionally, the arrival of new Airbus A350 aircraft promises to transform ultra-long-haul travel. These planes will enable the ambitious “Project Sunrise,” featuring direct routes from Sydney to London and New York—a game-changer for intercontinental travel.
Honoring the Past, Stepping into the Future
As part of the celebration, Qantas will open its historical archives to the public, showcasing never-before-seen content that illustrates how the industry has evolved over these nine decades. It’s a unique opportunity to understand aviation’s role in global connectivity.
The airline will also release three limited-edition amenity kits for Business Class passengers, featuring designs inspired by its artistic archives. These kits will be available onboard international flights in the coming months.
Related Topics
SAS Resumes Flights to Greenland After More Than 20 Years: Direct Service from Copenhagen to Nuuk
Aena Presents Expansion Project for Malaga-Costa del Sol Airport
Air Canada Launches Seasonal Flights Between Montreal and Edinburgh
Spanish Court Temporarily Suspends Fines Against Ryanair and Norwegian for Hand Luggage Fees
Un apasionado por la aviación, Fundador y CEO de Aviación al Día.