This paper is dedicated to the memory of Linda Anderson, research writer and well of wisdom. Qantas Early Development
Introduction Qantas Airways is the national airline of Australia and one of the world's leading commercial airlines. Founded by two World War II veterans, Qantas is a public company, one of the world's ten largest airlines (Qantas Airways Ltd., n.d.), and the oldest airline among all English-speaking countries . In 2008, it also was voted to be the world's third best by quality advisor organization Skytrax. Qantas' third place finish was up from fifth place in 2007 (Singapore Airlines Named Airline of the Year in World Airline Awards, 2008). It also seeks to keep fares as low as possible. Beginnings Australian Flying Corps officers W. Hudson Fysh and Paul McGinness were planning to fly in an air race from England to Australia in 1919, but their financial backer died before they located an airplane. Rather than fly in the race, the Lieutenants instead surveyed the race route across Australia. Driving a new Model T Ford, Fysh and McGinness traveled distances that never had been crossed by motor vehicle before; the problems they encountered along the way convinced the pair of the need for an air service to connect Australia's remote locations (History). Fergus McMaster and Arthur Baird joined the pair – McMaster as a source of funding and a link to wealthy potential investors, Baird as aircraft mechanic. The partners ordered their first airplane 19 August 1920 as The Western Queensland Auto Aero Service Limited; on 16 November 1920 the company's name was changed to Queensland and Northern Territory Aerial Servic