The national carrier asked Aussies for name suggestions in the theme of “Australian wildlife”.
After more than 5000 submissions, a shortlist of 40 names was released for the public to vote on last week.
Sadly, name suggestions such as “Blobfish”, “Crucifix Toad”, “Drop Bear”, Dusky hopping Mouse” and “Gobbleguts” didn’t make the final cut.
“We received thousands of entries ranging from iconic Australian animals to some of the lesser known and curiously named species,” QantasLink CEO Rachel Yangoyan said.
“The number of unique suggestions is a reminder of how lucky Australia is to be home to so many rare and remarkable creatures.”
In a video released today, Qantas announced the first 10 winning names, paying homage to the British rom-com hit Love Actually.
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They include: Koala; Little Red Flying-Fox; Tasmanian Devil; Sugar Glider; Platypus; Rainbow Lorikeet; Crimson Rosella; Whale Shark; Echidna; and Wedge-tailed Eagle.
Additional names will be revealed as more aircraft are delivered in the coming years, the airline said.
The first of 29 A220s is expected to arrive Down Under next week.
Qantas will use the aircraft to replace its Boeing 717 fleet, which operates routes across Australia.
The first A220 will fly between Melbourne and Canberra, with subsequent aircraft to be deployed to other parts of the regional and domestic network.
