SYDNEY--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The New York based “Boy from Oz” Hugh Jackman and Australia’s national carrier Qantas have announced a new partnership to promote Australia on the global stage.
The award winning actor has signed on to become an official global ambassador for the airline and will also work with Qantas on a number of community based projects.
The international superstar is one of Australia’s most successful and highly regarded performers with a career spanning 30 years from his early days in “Correlli” right after his graduation from Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts, to his recent stage and screen successes including the “X-Men” films, “The Boy from Oz” stage show, the film version of “Les Misérables” and the soon to be released fantasy film “Pan.”
Jackman said he was proud to become a Qantas Ambassador and was looking forward to teaming up with Qantas to highlight the best of Australia.
“I travel a lot and like all Aussie’s, I get a buzz whenever I see the familiar red tail and the kangaroo logo, no matter where I am in the world. Qantas is a great airline with great people and represents the very best of our wonderful country,” Jackman said.
“Qantas has always had a vital role in promoting Australia as a tourism destination and I am looking forward to playing my part as we work together to showcase our amazing cities, landscapes and experiences in the USA, Asia and beyond.”
Jackman is particularly passionate about encouraging Americans to travel to his homeland to experience the unique land, beauty and people for themselves and says it’s as easy as “getting on a plane, having a few glasses of wine, a meal, watching a movie, having a nap and you are there.”
“It’s absolutely worth it when you get there. It’s Australia. Just go!”
As well as flying the flag for Australian tourism, Qantas and Jackman will be working on projects to create opportunities for Australian’s to learn, to work, to travel to the USA and to reach their potential.
“What I also love about Qantas is the role it plays in the community. It’s inspiring to see a company stand up for causes that make a difference and I know it’s something that the Qantas team and its employees are really passionate about.”
Qantas CEO Alan Joyce said the airline is thrilled to welcome Hugh Jackman in to the Qantas family as an ambassador.
“Hugh represents everything that the world loves about Australians and he has used his enormous international success to promote Australia as well as highlight causes that are close to his heart.
We will build on the work both Qantas and Hugh are already doing and together, we believe we have the capacity to create some truly life changing opportunities,” Joyce said.
Further details in relation to the Hugh Jackman/Qantas community initiatives will be announced in coming weeks.
Qantas has also recently been announced as a co-sponsor of Jackman’s upcoming “Broadway To Oz” arena shows across Australia in November and December.
For media use:
Video with Hugh Jackman talking about his new role with Qantas:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=fwMbRJ92WPQ
About Qantas Airways
Founded in regional Queensland in 1920 – as the Queensland and Northern Territory Aerial Service – Qantas is one of Australia’s most iconic brands and has played a central role in the development of the Australian and international aviation industry. Today the Qantas Group is a diverse global aviation business, comprising Qantas Domestic, Qantas International, the Jetstar low-cost carrier group and Qantas Loyalty. In total, the Qantas Group operates more than 7,300 flights each week and, together with its codeshare and oneworld partners, offers flights to more than 1000 destinations around the world. The Qantas Group carries 47 million passengers each year and employs more than 30,000 people.
Issued by Qantas Corporate Communication (Q5865)