Wings Through The Years:Qantas Pilots’ Uniforms 1920-2016

Qantas Airways Limited ABN 16 009 661 901 | Further information and media releases can be found at the Qantas website: qantasnewsroom.com.au | April 2016 #QantasNewLook

1920–1930sThe first Qantas pilots and passengers flew in open cockpits so helmets, goggles and practical warm clothing were more important than style.

1935Qantas pilots wore a khaki military-style tunic when the first international services between Brisbane and Singapore began using DH86 landplanes. It featured the first official Qantas pilots’ wings badge worn on the left side of the jacket.

Qantas co-founder Paul McGinness (left) above is seen here in typical attire with a passenger at Longreach in 1921.

Captain Russell Tapp with passenger Charlie Chaplin (left) and his wife Paulette Goddard and her mother at Batavia. Captain Tapp’s grandson James now flies for Qantas as a Boeing 737 first officer.

1938Qantas moved to Empire flying boats operating from Sydney and the uniform changed to reflect the nautical operating environment —including a white-topped cap and double-breasted jacket.

Flying boat pilot, Captain Bill Crowther models the double-breasted uniform jacket and white topped cap based on British naval traditions. Captain Crowther’s grandson Charles now flies for Qantas as a Boeing 737 captain.

1940sDuring the Second World War, Qantas flight crew reverted to military style khaki uniforms. The crews of the Catalina flying boats on the Double Sunrise service between Perth and Ceylon (Sri Lanka) were over enemy patrolled territory for much of the journey and it was thought that military uniforms would protect the crew under the Geneva Convention if captured. The dark nautical style with white topped cap returned after the war until 1974.

Captain Ron ‘Torchy’ Uren stands in front of a Qantas Boeing 707 V-Jet in 1965 displaying the medal ribbons he earned as a decorated RAAF pilot during World War Two.

1974A temporary break from tradition when a more civilian looking mid-blue single-breasted uniform and matching cap were introduced, reflecting broader style trends and brighter colours of the period.

A flying kangaroo on the cap badge and new pilots’ wings badge also featured.

1981The Qantas pilot uniforms changed back to the traditional nautical style in 1980 minus the white topped cap. During the eighties the first female pilots began flying with Qantas.

Seen here in 1985 are Qantas’ first female pilots Sharelle Quinn (left) and Ann Bennett. Both are still flying for Qantas as Boeing 747 captains. They are wearing the current pilots’ wings introduced in 1981.

Woven version of 1981 wings

Metal wings badge

1993 Australian fashion label George Gross and Harry Who design uniforms featuring a navy jacket and trousers.

2003Australian fashion designer Peter Morrissey refreshed the pilot uniform to feature single breasted black jacket and trousers.

2016 Australian fashion designer Martin Grant designs a modern single-breasted navy suit with design features linking back to the military and naval-style pilot uniforms from the 1930s. A more feminine version is introduced for female pilots.

Qantas Airways Limited ABN 16 009 661 901 | Further information and media releases can be found at the Qantas website: qantasnewsroom.com.au | April 2016 #QantasNewLook