Qantas airways is the national airline of Australia. The airline name was originally spelt as QANTAS, an acronym for Queensland and Northern Territory Aerial Services.
This airline is Australia’s largest airline and also the worlds 2nd oldest operating airline. Qantas has its headquarters in Mascot. The research consultancy firm name Skytrax voted Qantas Airline as the 6th best airline in the world.
The airline was founded in Queensland on November 1920 by Paul McGuiness, Fergus McMaster and Hudson Fysh. Alexandra Kennedy was the first purchase a ticket and boards its first aircraft. Qantas was able to build its own aircraft called the de Havilland DH.50 and DH.9 right in their hangar.
On July 1959, Qantas airways flew its first jet aircraft from Sydney to San Francisco. In the same year, Qantas became the first airline to fly its jets across the Atlantic. In early 1960s, air travel grew and demand increased therefore Qantas decided to order larger Boeing 707–338C series of aircrafts.
It also had plans to order the Concorde Airliner but the idea did not push through. In 1967 the airline ordered the Boeing 747 which could seat about 350 passengers. This boosted the airline’s profits and it decided to order four more other aircrafts, which were delivered in 1971. In 1967, Qantas Empire Airways decided to change its name to Qantas Airways, which is the present name.
The Australian government later sold its domestic carrier, which was Australian Airlines, to Qantas. This gave Qantas access to its national domestic market, something that was not the case before.
The Airbus A300s and Boeing 737s were introduced to the airline’s fleet although the Airbuses did not last long. Due to privatization in 1993, Qantas is partly owned by the British Airways and other international investors. At that time 51% of it was Australian owned while the rest was by foreigners. Since the airline carries many passengers yearly, there is a proposition to offer in-flight internet services.
Qantas Airways now flies to 82 destinations over 6 continents. By the year 2010, it plans to open new routes which include Dubai and Abu Dhabi. If you fly First Class, you are offered flat bed sleeping pods, a 10.4” touch screen monitor with AVOS, and AC power outlets on every seat.
Business Class also offers the same features as First Class with slightly small seats and touch screens. Economy Class does not offer many features but you can enjoy the comfort of their wide seats.
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