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In the 1960s Qantas apprentices restored this Avro 504, previously held by the Australian War Memorial, to represent one of the airline's two original 504s. (Qantas)
Qantas — An Illustrious 75 Year History
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The pioneering spirit that built Qantas remains today in a very different world: one that it helped to create as a world leader in long distance air services.
Forty eight years after Qantas became 100% Government owned following a long and at times arduous relationship with Imperial and BOAC, the Government has now finally relinquished its stake to the private sector. British Airways again holds a stake in Qantas and the Australian flag carrier is also once again flying within Australia under its oum name. Qantas has, thus, almost come full cirde since its foundation on November 16 1920. 1920~1995 NTAS An account of an illustrious 75 year history 
On August 19 1920, McGinness and Fysh ordered, in the name of The Western Queensland Auto Aerial Service Ltd, two Avro 504Ks at a cost of £3000 for the pair. Despite their modesty, the 504s were the ideal vehicle to prove the viability of air services to the isolated grazing properties of western Queensland.
Awaiting the delivery of the aircraft, McMaster set about arranging for the incorporation of the business. In the prospectus McGinness and Fysh were surprised to learn that their proposals for air taxi services and joyflights had evolved at the prophetic hand of McMaster, who had now included plans for a mail service spanning the land from Longreach to Port Darwin supported by bases at Longreach, Winton and Cloncurry. Though it was not to be for some time, McMaster had a keen sense for the opportunities that lay ahead.
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