The unique Indigenous livery on Qantas’ new Dreamliner was such a hit with KARRYON readers, so we thought we better share some exciting news: she’s here!
The aircraft touched down in Alice Springs this morning.
The livery, made up of close to 5000 dots is based on the work of late Northern Territory artist and senior Anmatyerre woman, Emily Kame Kngwarreye.
It is a tribute to her painting Yam Dreaming, adapted for the aircraft by Indigenous owned design studio Balarinji.
The special livery took a team of 60 people more than 10 days to complete at the Boeing factory in Seattle.
The Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner flew into southern skies this morning, touching down in Alice Springs shortly after dawn following a 13,000km journey from Seattle.
Qantas Group CEO Alan Joyce said it was an honour to be in Alice Springs to receive the airline’s newest Dreamliner with Indigenous livery.
“It is a privilege to welcome home this special aircraft together with Emily’s family, close to her home Country. We’re thrilled to showcase her striking artwork on our newest Dreamliner,” he said.
“As the aircraft enters our international fleet, we believe this Dreamliner, through colour and image, will tell a story of our unique Australian landscape and, by sharing our Indigenous culture with the world, the important story of reconciliation.”
Qantas Group CEO Alan Joyce.
Registered as VH-ZND, this aircraft carries the fifth design in the Qantas Flying Art Series which started more than 20 years ago and is the only one dedicated to international flights.
It will fly several domestic services for crew familiarisation before it enters service on international routes in late March.
The aircraft is the fourth Dreamliner to enter the Qantas fleet, following the arrival of Great Southern Land, Waltzing Matilda and Quokka.
READ: 5000 DOTS: Qantas reveals its bold new Indigenous livery
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