Qantas Updates Livery, Reveals Business Class Ahead of Dreamliner Launch

Joe Cortez November 01, 2016

“Flying Kangaroo” receives fourth update, as Australian carrier reveals new aspects of aircraft

The world-famous “Flying Kangaroo” will receive another update as Australian carrier Qantas prepares to add the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner into their fleet. In a set of press releases, the airline announced the new livery while revealing the luxurious interior for the new aircraft.

On the outside, the aircraft will feature a brand-new design of the traditional red tail and the fifth update since its introduction in 1944. The Qantas name will be featured in a more streamlined font and added to the belly of the aircraft along with the sides, while executives for the carrier say a silver band at the end of the aircraft connecting the tail to the fuselage will give the aircraft a more “premium” feel.

“Aircraft tails are fantastic canvas to work on and the Qantas logo is one of the most recognizable in the world,” Qantas Group CEO Mark Joyce said in the statement. “This re-design aims to retain the fundamental essence of the flying kangaroo but also move the brand forward.”

The airline’s brand changes are reflected on the interior of the aircraft as well. Borrowing from their fleet of Airbus A380 aircraft, the airline noted in a press release the new Dreamliners will feature the popular Business Suite seating in the front of the aircraft. Business Suites will feature seats that can be reclined during takeoff and landing, while also converting to lay-flat seats during flight. The aircraft will be configured to accommodate 236 passengers across Business Suites, premium economy and economy classes.

“The Dreamliner is an aircraft built for comfort,” Joyce said. “The windows are bigger, it helps reduce jetlag, it’s extremely quiet and there’s a system that smooths out turbulence. Customers are going to love it.”

The airline will reveal the new premium economy seats for the Dreamliner in early 2017. The first aircraft is expected to be delivered by October 2017.

[Photo: Qantas]