Qantas Unveils Indigenous Livery Dreamliner

Qantas has revealed its new indigenous livery on Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner VH-ZND, which will enter service soon.

The aircraft is the latest in a line of special liveries to feature on Qantas aircraft over the past couple of decades, each reflecting the long and rich history of the peoples of Australia.

This particular livery is inspired by the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, and is in keeping with the airline’s commitment to championing reconciliation and promoting the best of Australia to the world.

The artwork depicts the culturally significant yam plant, an important symbol in Emily’s Dreaming stories and a staple food source in her home region of Utopia, 230km north-east of Alice Springs. The aircraft itself will be named Emily Kame Kngwarreye in tribute to the artist.

Qantas Group CEO Alan Joyce said the striking artwork is intended to encourage more people to explore the Indigenous elements that form part of ‘the Spirit of Australia’.

“It’s a beautiful, bold artwork and so we hope it catches people’s eye and sparks a conversation about our country’s dynamic Indigenous culture,” said Mr. Joyce.

For only the second time in Qantas’ history the iconic flying kangaroo on the aircraft has been changed to form part of the design, with the airline’s trademark red tail colour altered to match the earthy red tones and white dots of Emily’s artwork.

The aircraft will fly direct for approximately 15 hours from the Boeing factory in Seattle to touch down in Alice Springs on 2 March 2018 where it will be welcomed by Emily’s family.

The latest design has been conceptualised by leading Indigenous owned design studio Balarinji, which has developed all of the flying art aircraft.

A guide to previous Qantas special liveries

Previous special indigenous liveries worn by Qantas aircraft include:

Wunala Dreaming, worn by Boeing 747-400s VH-OJB and VH-OEJ between 1994-2011.

Nalanji Dreaming, worn by 747-300 VH-EBU from 1995-2005.

Yananyi Dreaming, still worn by Boeing 737-800 VH-VXB.

Mendoowoorrji, still worn by 737-800 VH-XZJ.

Learn more about each of these individual schemes and their meanings and inspiration at this special link.