First Look: Qantas Debuts New Flying Art Livery on First A220

Qantas has unveiled the latest special livery in its Flying Art series with the rollout of its first Airbus A220. The new paint job features an intricate design inspired by a traditional indigenous story.

Qantas’ Latest Special Livery: “Minyma Kutjara Tjukurpa”

The new livery is named after a piece of indigenous artwork named “Minyma Kutjara Tjukurpa” or “The Two Sisters Creation Story.” The artwork tells the story of two sisters who cover vast distances through remote Australia to find their way home, stopping along the way to perform sacred singing and dancing.

Like other designs in Qantas’ Flying Art series, the livery was designed by the Australian First Nation design agency Balarinji. The artwork was created by Maringka Baker, a senior Pitjantjatjara artist from the remote community of Kanpi in South Australia. She is recognized as one of the country’s most accomplished artists and is known for inspiring a new generation of First Nations artists.

Qantas’ latest special livery features a piece of art called “Minyma Kutjara Tjukurpa” by leading indigenous artist Maringka Baker (Photo: Qantas)

The livery features more than 20,000 dots across the back half of the aircraft, forming an elaborate design that creeps onto the tail. The tail still bears Qantas’ signature kangaroo icon, but the standard red background has been replaced with a natural green.

According to the airline, it is the most complex livery that has ever been painted on an Airbus A220, requiring around 100 painters and over 130 stencils.

“Minyma Kutjara Tjukurpa” features more than 20,000 dots in an elaborate design that required over 130 stencils (Photo: Qantas)

The Flying Art Series

“Minyma Kutjara Tjukurpa” will be the sixth special livery in Qantas’ Flying Art series. The series first launched in 1995 with a Boeing 747-300 named “Nalanji Dreaming” and has since brought five other pieces of Aboriginal Australian artwork to the skies.

The latest livery will join two other aircraft that are currently part of the Flying Art series. A Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner features a livery inspired by the 1991 “Yam Dreaming” piece by the late Australian Aboriginal artist Emily Kame Kngwarreye. Meanwhile, a Boeing 737-800 named “Mendoowoorrji” is painted with an interpretation of indigenous painter Paddy Bedford’s 2005 painting “Medicine Pocket.”

Qantas’ latest addition to its Flying Art Series (Photo: AirlineGeeks | Katie Bailey)

Qantas’ Narrowbody Fleet Renewal

The aircraft will be the Qantas Group’s first Airbus A220 and will be operated by the group’s regional brand, QantasLink. The Airbus A220-300 will be registered as VH-X4A and will be delivered to the airline before the end of the year. It is currently at Airbus’ facility at Montréal-Mirabel International Airport and will complete post-production flight testing and equipment installation prior to delivery.

Qantas has 29 A220-300s on order, with deliveries scheduled throughout the next few years. The carrier has stated that the A220s will replace the airline’s aging fleet of Boeing 717-200s and will enter service on flights between Melbourne Airport and Canberra Airport.

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Andrew Chen

Andrew is a lifelong lover of aviation and travel. He has flown all over the world and is fascinated by the workings of the air travel industry. As a private pilot and glider pilot who has worked with airlines, airports and other industry stakeholders, he is always excited to share his passion for aviation with others. In addition to being a writer, he also hosts Flying Smarter, an educational travel podcast that explores the complex world of air travel to help listeners become better-informed and savvier travelers.

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