The historical development of the Qantas international network

A 2005 paper by Peter J. Rimmer Australia through the Prism of Qantas: Distance make a Comeback published in The Otemon Journal of Australian Studies provides a fascinating history of the development of the Qantas international network. The paper is well illustrated with air route maps.

A key point to note is that changes in technology have reduced the need to make intermediate stops. What Qantas calls its Kangaroo route between Sydney and London, although not yet non stop, does not need so many hops these days.