Qantas names first Airbus 380 after Australian lady aviation pioneer

Qantas today named the new Qantas Airbus A380 after 92 year old Australian Aviation pioneer, Nancy-Bird Walton.

Nancy first learned to fly in 1933 at just 17 years of age. She was Australia’s first woman to receive a commercial license as a pilot.

A 92-year-old Australian aviation pioneer Tuesday christened a huge new Qantas Airbus A380 which the airline named in her honour, saying she had made sure she lived long enough to enjoy the moment.

Nancy-Bird Walton, who learnt to fly in 1933 when she was just 17 and became the nation’s first woman to be licensed as a commercial pilot, made the comment at a ceremony in her honour at Sydney Airport.

At a function in her honour in Sydney she said “Qantas first asked if they could name this magnificent plane after me at my 90th birthday three years ago and I made it my decision to stay alive — and I’ve made it.”

“It is my greatest pleasure to name this aircraft Nancy-Bird Walton.”

Nancy-Bird Walton flew for a medical service in outback Australia and in 1950 founded the Australian Women Pilots Association. She was also appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia on January 26, 1990 for her service to aviation, particularly the participation of women in aviation.

Outgoing Qantas Chief Geoff Dixon said “Nancy-Bird Walton, your courage, resilience and optimism represent the very best of Australia”.

“We are so delighted you agreed to have this plane named in your honour.”

Nancy and other guests were treated to a flight up Australia’s coast after the naming ceremony.