The Hellenic origins of QANTAS and the Greek names of its first planes

Qantas celebrated this week its 100 years. What it is not widely known is the fact that a Greek migrant played a significant role in its foundation.

Qantas Boeing 787 Dreamliner prepares to depart at Kingsford Smith Airport Source: James D. Morgan/Getty Images

Some of the first meetings where discussions for the establishment of QANTAS took place at the Hotel of Haralampos Koronis, in Queensland’s Charleville.

It was Koronis who recommended that ancient Greek are given to some of the first aeroplanes such as Perseas, Hermes, Atalanti, and Pegasus.

More about the story in this interview with Emeritus Professor at Charles Sturt university, George Kanarakis.

Hotel Koronis Source: Supplied