New QANTAS Indigenous Themed Plane

Qantas has unveiled its first Indigenous-themed aircraft in over a decade, Mendoowoorrji, based on artwork by the late West Australian Indigenous painter, Paddy Bedford.“It is wonderful to welcome a new Qantas aircraft to its Indigenous ‘Flying Art’ series, which will display our incredible Indigenous art to the world.

“The new Qantas Boeing 737-800 with its new livery is a contemporary depiction of ‘the Spirit of Australia’, and I am sure it will be an aircraft that both international and domestic travellers will be thrilled to fly in" said Minister for Tourism and Major Events, George Souris. Earlier this year, the NSW Government and Qantas signed a three-year agreement , crafted by Destination NSW, to formalise a new $30 million partnership to promote Sydney and regional NSW to the world. “This agreement was the largest tourism and major events marketing partnership in NSW history. Delivering growth through such partnerships is a key element of the Government’s strategy to increase tourism to NSW, and will provide a boost to the State’s economy and help create more jobs,” Mr Souris said.

Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Victor Dominello, said the new aircraft design is an innovative approach to Indigenous art.

“The design interprets the Paddy Bedford painting Medicine Pocket, which captures the essence of Mendoowoorrji – his mother’s country in East Kimberley, Western Australia. Indigenous artists make enormous contributions to Australian arts and culture, and I am pleased to see an example of their work on display to a large local and international audience.”