Watch the epic new Qantas safety video recreate history

1176
February 26, 2020
Qantas safety video
Photo: Qantas

Buckle up and get ready to take a fascinating flight through 100 years of aviation history as the latest Qantas safety video transports you from biplanes and flying boats to the jet age.

On the way, you see mullets and moustaches as well as an array of Qantas uniforms modeled by current crew in carefully created historical settings.

The producers scoured historical archives, op shops and the personal wardrobes of retired crew to give the video its authenticity while also harnessing the magic of computer technology.

It’s not a short presentation but the idea, according to Qantas boss Alan Joyce, is to keep the attention of the 55 million people who travel annually with the airline — even if they’ve seen the video multiple times.

READ: Air New Zealand unveils revolutionary sleep pods.

“This safety video is a look back at the different styles of aircraft, service and uniforms that have been part of our long history,” Joyce said.

“And it calls out the contribution Qantas and its people have made to aviation, like the invention of the slide raft, as well as the national carrier’s role in connecting Australia to the world.

“It’s really a tribute to a century of our people, the changing styles, and our innovation. The one thing that has never changed is our commitment to safety.”

The video features iconic aircraft, fashion and aviation milestones to create a 100-year time-lapse from the 1920s to the present day.

Qantas
Photo: Qantas

Some of the scenes were recreated in real life, others such as the original Avro 504 and the 1930s De Havilland 86, were bought back to life using computer-generated imagery.

The production team spent months researching information from the national archives, aviation museums.

They also used photographs and artifacts from the extensive Qantas Heritage collection to perfect the details of each scene, from original life jackets to the wall panels from retired aircraft that were retrieved from the Mojave Desert.

A soundtrack featuring Australian jazz legend James Morrison playing numerous brass instruments moves through instrumental versions of the iconic Peter Allen anthem I Still Call Australia Home tailored to the musical style of each era.

Current Qantas staff appear in historical versions of their present-day roles with Alastair Fysh, the grandson of Qantas co-founder Sir Hudson Fysh, also making a cameo appearance.

 

1 COMMENT

  1. Do they see the irony? Qantas is demonstrating how good flying was in the 1950-70’s, and therefore how terrible it is now!