Qantas Celebrates 90 Years of International Flying

Just over a week ago, on 17 April 2025, Qantas marked an extraordinary milestone—90 years of international flying, celebrating nearly a century of connecting Australia to the world. This achievement not only highlights the evolution of the aviation industry but also underscores Qantas’ enduring legacy of innovation and excellence.

The story began on 17 April 1935, when Qantas launched Australia’s first international passenger flight from Brisbane to Singapore on a DH86 aircraft. With just two passengers on board, the journey took three and a half days and included 16 stops. It was an ambitious first step that paved the way for modern aviation, where today, Brisbane to Singapore takes a mere 8 hours aboard a Qantas Airbus A330.

Fast forward to 2025, and Qantas has carried over 273 million customers on its international network, spanning 56 routes to 34 destinations across 25 countries. Reflecting on this remarkable journey, Qantas CEO International Cam Wallace remarked:
“Our first international flight took over three days to reach Singapore from Brisbane, carrying just a few passengers and making more than 15 stops. Fast forward to today, we’re flying thousands of passengers daily on nonstop services—a powerful reflection of how far international travel has come.”

As the airline celebrates its past, it also looks forward to an exciting future. This year, Qantas will expand its international network with new flights from Melbourne to Honolulu and Sydney to Sapporo, alongside the arrival of its A350 aircraft, which promises to redefine ultra-long-haul travel. The much-anticipated Project Sunrise will introduce non-stop flights from Sydney to London and New York, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in aviation.

To commemorate the occasion, Qantas unveiled a treasure trove of historical content, offering a unique glimpse into its archives and showcasing the incredible journey of international aviation over the last 90 years. Adding a touch of nostalgia, the airline revealed three limited-edition Business amenity kits, featuring art inspired by its history. These kits will roll out across the Qantas network in the coming months.

From pioneering its first international flight to shaping the future of air travel, Qantas has been a cornerstone of Australia’s aviation story. As we reflect on nine decades of progress, one thing is clear—the sky’s the limit for what’s next.