Would Qantas' Flying Roo Take Them to Profitability?

27th Nov 2014

The struggling carrier is very optimistic that the current fiscal year will be a better year for them after posting losses in previous years. That optimism is displayed in its new acquisition, a B737 airliner, sporting a retro-livery, a design that was originally used in the 70s.

The retro-livery features a familiar flying roo which was first used in 1948.

Qantas used the flying roo extensively since 1948 until 1984. The airline used the logo featuring a red flying roo with its feet on a globe against a white background since 1948 until 1968. In 1968, the airline adopted a new logo, this time, without the globe but retained the red flying roo, now enclosed in a white circle with red outline. The airline dropped the red flying roo altogether in 1984 and replaced it with the wingless white roo set against a red right triangle which would last until now, though with very little variation.

Aside from the red flying roo painted on the plane's tail, the retro-livery also features an orange ochre band running along the entire length of the fuselage, framing the windows.

Qantas' CEO, Alan Joyce, said he is hopeful that adopting the retro-livery would usher in a new era of vitality and profitability. He was hoping that they will finally return to profitability this year.

The state-owned flag carrier posted a loss of $2.8 billion in August this year but has been reportedly steadily showing progress on its recovery program.

Qantas unveiled the new livery on its new acquisition, B737 aircraft, last week in Seattle and was attended by its celebrity ambassador, John Travolta.