April 17, 2025, marks a significant milestone for Australian airline Qantas, as it celebrates 90 years of international operations. Founded in 1920, Qantas is the third-oldest airline in the world still in continuous operation, trailing only KLM and Avianca by a few years. The carrier has achieved a rare feat—nearing its centenary—an accomplishment shared by only a handful of airlines globally.
Qantas’ journey into international skies began on April 17, 1935, with its first long-haul flight from Brisbane to Singapore. The flight, operated by a DH86 aircraft, took a staggering three and a half days to cover the approximately 3,300 nautical miles (6,100 kilometers) between the two cities. The journey involved 16 stops, highlighting the logistical challenges of early aviation.
Given Australia’s geographic location, Qantas has long been a pioneer in international aviation, often setting remarkable records. One such achievement came during World War II with the airline’s Double Sunrise service. This flight, connecting Western Australia to Sri Lanka (then Ceylon) and India, held the record for the longest nonstop commercial flight, covering the distance in 27 to 33 hours. The record still stands today.
Looking to the future, Qantas is preparing to break another aviation record. The airline’s planned Project Sunrise service, scheduled to launch in 2027, will directly link Sydney (SYD) to London-Heathrow (LHR) using specially configured Airbus A350-1000 aircraft. This service will become the longest commercial flight in history, covering 10,573 miles (16,916 kilometers) in around 20 hours.
In the nine decades since its first international flight, Qantas has seen significant growth in its global network. As of April 2025, the airline’s international operations span 34 destinations in 25 countries, with a total of 56 routes. To date, over 273 million passengers have flown on Qantas international services, cementing the airline’s role as a key player in global aviation.
