Qantas proudly marks 90 years of international flying today, celebrating a remarkable milestone in aviation history.
Since its first overseas journey, the airline has connected Australia to the world, transforming global travel over nine decades.
First International Flight: Brisbane-Singapore
On 17 April 1935, Qantas launched its first international passenger flight from Brisbane to Singapore. The DH86 aircraft carried just two passengers and took three and a half days, making 16 stops along the way.
Fast forward to 2025, and Qantas now operates 56 routes to 34 destinations across 25 countries. Over 273 million passengers have now travelled on the national flag carrier’s international network.
To provide context, the Brisbane-Singapore route now takes only eight hours on an Airbus A330.
Cam Wallace, Qantas CEO International, called the anniversary a proud moment for the national carrier.
“Our first flight to Singapore was a feat, taking over three days with multiple stops. Today, we fly thousands of passengers daily on nonstop services. In 2024 alone, 7.6 million customers traveled on our international routes, showing how far aviation has evolved,” he said.
2025 International Network Expansion
With nine decades under its belt, Qantas continues to look ahead. This year, the airline will expand its network with new routes, including Melbourne to Honolulu and Sydney to Sapporo.
The arrival of the A350 aircraft will also enable Project Sunrise, offering nonstop flights from Sydney to London and New York. These ultra-long-haul routes will redefine international travel.
To celebrate this milestone, Qantas is sharing its rich history with Australians. The airline has unveiled a collection of historical content from its archives. They offer a glimpse into 90 years of aviation milestones. From early aircraft to modern jets, the archives highlight Qantas’ role in shaping global travel.
Additionally, Qantas is launching three limited-edition amenity kits for Business class passengers.
Featuring artwork from its historic archives, these kits will roll out across the network in the coming months. The designs pay tribute to the airline’s legacy while delighting modern travelers.
Summary
From a small flight with two passengers to a global network serving millions, Qantas’ 90-year journey reflects innovation and growth.
As the airline embraces new routes and cutting-edge aircraft, it remains committed to connecting Australia with the world. The Flying Kangaroo, a beloved national icon, honors its past while bounding into the future.
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