Qantas’ third Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner will be named after the iconic and much-loved West Australian marsupial, the Quokka. Made famous around the world for being one of the happiest animals on Earth, and known to enjoy a selfie with tourists including tennis superstar Roger Federer, the Quokka is the perfect name for Qantas’ Dreamliner.

Last year Tourism WA put out a call for the WA tourism industry and public to nominate the name Quokka for one of Qantas’ eight Dreamliners. The name was one of the most popular suggestions in a national poll of more than 60,000 entries. Tourism WA’s Executive Director Strategy, Brand and Marketing Services Louise Scott said it was fantastic to see Qantas’ third Dreamliner adopt the name Quokka, providing fantastic exposure for Western Australia.

“It makes perfect sense for WA to be represented by the Quokka, especially with the direct London to Perth flights launching for the first time in March,” she said.

“We hope international visitors to WA will have an opportunity to experience this friendly local on Rottnest Island and enjoy everything our State has to offer.”

Quokka, which has the official registration of VH-ZNC, will operate new the Perth to London route as well as other Dreamliner routes to the United States. It is currently undergoing final delivery in Seattle and is expected to land in Australia in late January. Quokka will also be joined by a Dreamliner called Skippy later this year. Qantas’ first two Dreamliner aircraft have been named Great Southern Land and Waltzing Matilda. Each name is painted beneath cockpit window. The sequencing of the remaining names will be revealed as the aircraft are delivered.