Retro Roo II: Qantas then and now 1959 – 2015

Qantas Airways Limited ABN 16 009 661 901 | Further information and media releases can be found at the Qantas website: qantasnewsroom.com.au

AircraftQantas flew the first passenger jet services across the Pacific Ocean when the inaugural Boeing 707 flight departed Sydney on 29 July 1959 for San Francisco. Fuel stops were made at Nadi and Honolulu. The Boeing 707 revolutionised air travel throughout the world and Qantas was no exception with travel times from Sydney to London on the Kangaroo Route cut from 50 flying hours to just 27 flying hours. In 1959, Qantas had 37 aircraft with six types in its fleet including seven new Boeing 707-138 jets.

In 2015, Qantas has 207 aircraft with nine types in its fleet.

UniformsQantas also introduced a new uniform in 1959 to reflect the jet era. The ‘jungle green’ design was also a major change as it moved away from the previous military-look to reflect a new subtle fashionable look with a soft green terylene fabric with matching overcoat. Today our crew wear uniforms designed by Paris-based Australian designer Martin Grant.

Pilots1959: 302 pilots were employed by Qantas.

2015: Qantas currently employs 3,287 pilots.

People1959: Qantas had 6,737 employees.

2015: There are more than 28,000 people working for Qantas.

Passengers Carried1959: 201,051 2015: More than 49 million per year.

Network1959: 33 destinations in five continents.

2015: 84 destinations in 15 countries and six continents.

FaresIn 1959 a Sydney to London airfare cost about 30 weeks average weekly earnings. Today it costs about 2 weeks average weekly earnings for an economy airfare from Australia to London.

Retro Roo II: Qantas then and now 1959 – 2015

Qantas Airways Limited ABN 16 009 661 901 | Further information and media releases can be found at the Qantas website: qantasnewsroom.com.au

FoodIn 1959, Qantas Boeing 707-138 First passengers could choose from two soups, two hot main courses or a cold buffet and two desserts.

In 2015, Qantas Business passengers are offered six menu variations and a total of 220 meal options.

Inflight EntertainmentIn 1959, the Qantas Boeing 707-138 offered books and magazines for inflight entertainment.

In 2015, Qantas offers a suite of inflight entertainment options including over 500 hours of movies and TV shows, digital downloading of newspapers and magazines and bring your own device for content streaming.

InteriorsThe new 1959 jet livery and interior was developed by Qantas in association with the renowned US design firm of Walter Dorwin Teague. The interior was designed to reflect Australian colours with turquoise, pastel blues and persimmon used on the passenger seats, offset by black and white trim. The ‘Clad-Rex’ cabin side panels were finished with screen-printed designs of Australian wild flowers including wattles and bottlebrush. Today our aircraft interiors are by award-winning Australian designer Marc Newson.

SizeIn 1959, a Qantas Boeing 707-138 could carry 90 First and Tourist passengers.

The 2015 Qantas Retro Roo 2 Boeing 737-800 carries 168 Business and Economy passengers.

Qantas’ largest aircraft is the A380 which can carry 484 passengers.

Aircraft Cost1959: The cost of a brand new Boeing 707-138 was US$5,150,000 equivilent to US$41,800,000 in today’s dollars.

2015: The list price of a new Boeing 737-800 is US$96,000,000.

CabinsIn 1959, the Qantas Boeing 707-138 offered two cabin experiences, First and Tourist.

In 2015, Qantas International cabin options are First (A380) Business, Premium Economy and Economy.

VIP PassengersAmong the celebrities flying Qantas in 1959 were Gregory Peck, Ava Gardner and Fred Astaire who were filming ‘On the Beach’ in Melbourne.

In 2015, Hollywood stars continue to fly with Qantas including Angelina Jolie, Hugh Jackman, Drew Barrymore and Cate Blanchett.