Qantas flies back to the 1970s with retro livery

Qantas ambassador John Travolta poses in front of the airline's 737 Boeing which has been fitted out with retro 1970's livery.

Qantas has unveiled its retro inspired 1970s livery on one of its brand new Boeing 737 aircraft at a function in Seattle.

The airline says the design is a flying tribute to 70 years of the iconic flying kangaroo logo.

The signature element of the 1971-1984 livery design was the ochre band around the window line of the aircraft. Ochre reflected the colours of the outback where Qantas was established in 1920.

The winged kangaroo logo is used on the tail and was adapted from the original 1947 version. In 1984 the flying kangaroo discarded its wings, evolving to its current slender and stylised form.

Group executive for brand, marketing and corporate affairs, Olivia Wirth, said having the retro livery on a new aircraft is a celebration not only of the famous logo and the airline's proud heritage but a reminder of the pioneering role that Qantas has held in the global aviation market.

"For 70 years our logo has been a symbol of aviation innovation, but also a reminder that home is never far away," said Wirth.

"It's a bit of a time warp having a 1970s livery on one of our brand new B737 aircraft but it's the perfect way to highlight the years of experience behind the contemporary airline Qantas is today.

Qantas ambassador and pilot, John Travolta was at the special hangar event at Boeing's manufacturing base.

"I have enjoyed many wonderful experiences with Qantas over the years, from getting my 747 wings to having my own 707 painted in the original 1960s Qantas livery," he said.

The 737-800 will operate across all Qantas domestic routes from November 20. The retro livery is also timed to mark the Qantas' 94th birthday, which also falls in November.