A streamlined kangaroo logo has been unveiled by Qantas as part of a livery tweak in preparation for Boeing 787 Dreamliners entering the fleet in a year.
The change is only the fifth time the red-and-white image on the tail of the Australian airline’s aircraft has been updated since it was first introduced in 1944.
The last update was in 2007 to coincide with the introduction of the Airbus A380 to the fleet.
Group chief executive Alan Joyce, revealed the new design together with new business suites and economy seats that will feature on the 787.
The new design will gradually appear across the Qantas network, starting with digital assets, signage and advertising.
The updated branding on aircraft will be sequenced with scheduled re-paints, to be completed in time for the airline’s centenary in 2020.
The updated brand follows the introduction of new cabin crew uniforms in 2014 and new pilot uniforms.
Joyce said: “Since the image of a kangaroo first appeared on a Qantas aircraft more than 80 years ago, it’s come to represent the spirit of Australia. When passengers see the Qantas tail at airports around the world, it’s a symbol of home.
“We wanted to make sure our brand remained familiar but we also wanted it to be more modern and dynamic, like the 787 and like Qantas.
“When we looked at the history, we found that the logo has been updated around the time of a game-changing new aircraft joining the fleet. It’s a tradition that goes back to the Lockheed Constellation in 1947, the B747-300 in 1984 and the A380 in 2007.
“A fresh brand helps symbolise the new era Qantas is entering as we head towards our centenary. It’s an era of new destinations, new technology and a new standard of service.”