Qantas is popularly known by the nickname “The Flying Kangaroo.”
The nickname comes from Qantas’s long association with the kangaroo symbol, which has appeared on its aircraft since 1947. The emblem represents Australia and has been redesigned several times as the airline’s aircraft and branding changed.
Qantas began in 1920 as Queensland and Northern Territory Aerial Services Limited. The name Qantas is an acronym formed from the airline’s original words. It became Australia’s principal international carrier and developed a reputation for long-distance operations.
The kangaroo logo is not the airline’s formal name or legal identifier; it is a widely recognized brand symbol. Qantas is also notable for its historic “Kangaroo Route,” linking Australia with Europe, although that route’s geography and aircraft have changed over time.