What was the old name of Qantas?

Written by Editorial Team | Last Updated: August 2026

Qantas was originally incorporated in 1920 under the full name Queensland and Northern Territory Aerial Services Limited. The moniker Qantas was deliberately constructed as an acronym derived from the first letter of each word in its original formal corporate name. Operating initially as a small outback air taxi and postal service in regional Australia, the airline gradually expanded its operational footprint and fleet capacity over the subsequent decades, eventually dropping the cumbersome descriptive title in favor of the now globally recognized Qantas brand, which has since become synonymous with national pride and international long-haul aviation excellence across the globe.

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