For the first time in Qantas’ 94 year history, the airline will introduce a “retro” livery on one of its brand new B737 aircraft as a flying tribute to 70 years of its iconic kangaroo logo.

The original kangaroo symbol, that was adapted from the Australian one penny coin, was initially painted beneath the cockpit of Qantas’ first Liberator aircraft G-AGKT in 1944 following the airline’s decision to name its Indian Ocean passage the Kangaroo Service.

Group executive for brand, marketing and corporate affairs, Olivia Wirth said the kangaroo that now features on the tail of every single Qantas aircraft is truly part of the Australian story.

 “Our kangaroo logo represents our proud history, inextricably linked with the development of commercial aviation in Australia,” said Wirth. “A retro livery is the perfect tribute to our iconic flying kangaroo logo and its 70th anniversary. While it serves as a nod to our heritage, having it fly on one of our brand new B737s highlights our commitment to being an aviation innovator when it comes to new aircraft and modern technology.

Qantas will take delivery of its new B737 from the Boeing Factory in Seattle in late November. It will be the 75th B737-800 to join the Qantas fleet.