What it was
Qantas — an acronym for Queensland and Northern Territory Aerial Services — began in 1920 as a small airline linking the towns of the vast outback.
Role
Its network connecting scattered towns supported life in an interior with few roads or railways. In time it expanded to international routes and became a gateway between Australia and the world.
Fate
Known by its Flying Kangaroo emblem, Qantas remains Australia’s flag airline today and is recognised as one of the oldest airlines in the world.