Qantas said to be thinking of dumping the flying kangaroo
Global media reports say that the famous flying kangaroo that has graced the tails of Qantas aircraft since World War II could be getting the chop, with Qantas last night confirming rumours that it was updating its image, which may include the revamping or even the elimination of one of Australia’s iconic logos.
“We are always looking to ensure our product and image remain contemporary and relevant,” a Qantas spokesman told the Daily Telegraph, adding “I can’t say anything more at this stage.”
The news comes as the Qantas board met yesterday for the first time since the failed $11 billion private equity bid to take over the airline in May, with the company reported to be considering setting up a separate body to own its fleet of more than 200 planes, as well finding new board members after its chairman Margaret Jackson announced plans to step down.
The kangaroo first appeared on Qantas aircraft in 1944 and was said to be derived from the design on the Australian penny, with the wings added to the logo a few years later remaining there until 1984, when the current design was introduced.
Industry bulletin boards were abuzz with speculation about possible changes, although the prevailing sentiment was that Qantas would keep their famous ensign in some form.
News of the proposed change has drawn attention around the world, including stories on Canada’s Globe and Mail and Reuters India.
Qantas shares closed down 6c at $5.63 yesterday.
Let the Mole have your views by clicking on ADD YOUR COMMENT below and by voting in today’s Mole Poll
Report by The Mole
John Alwyn-Jones
Vegas’s Billion-Dollar Secrets – What They Don’t Want Tourists to Know
Visit Florida’s New CEO Bryan Griffin Shares His Vision for State Tourism with Graham
Chicago’s Tourism Renaissance: Graham Interviews Kristin Reynolds of Choose Chicago
Graham Talks with Cassandra McCauley of MMGY NextFactor About the Latest Industry Research
Destination International’s Andreas Weissenborn: Research, Advocacy, and Destination Impact
Graham and Don Welsh Discuss the Success of Destinations International’s Annual Conference
Graham and CEO Andre Kiwitz on Ventura Travel’s UK Move and Recruitment for the Role
Brett Laiken and Graham Discuss Florida’s Tourism Momentum and Global Appeal
Graham and Elliot Ferguson on Positioning DC as a Cultural and Inclusive Global Destination
Graham Talks to Fraser Last About His England-to-Ireland Trek for Mental Health Awareness
Kathy Nelson Tells Graham About the Honour of Hosting the World Cup and Kansas City’s Future
Graham McKenzie on Sir Richie Richardson’s Dual Passion for Golf and His Homeland, Antigua
ADS PRO 
Phocuswright reveals the world's largest travel markets in volume in 2025
Higher departure tax and visa cost, e-arrival card: Japan unleashes the fiscal weapon against tourists
Cyclone in Sri Lanka had limited effect on tourism in contrary to media reports
Singapore to forbid entry to undesirable travelers with new no-boarding directive
Euromonitor International unveils world’s top 100 city destinations for 2025