Qantas bounces back with retro roo

Qantas is hoping a retro roo will give the airline a much needed morale-boost as it struggles to bounce back from a tough year.

The airline's latest purchase, its 75th Boeing 737-800 aircraft, has landed in Sydney bearing special livery based on the original design from Qantas' B747s of the 1970s.

Qantas is hopeful the retro-theme will trigger a positive response from the public.

"For 70 years this familiar kangaroo on the tail has represented not just our airline but also the best of Australia and a sense of home for those who have seen it at airports around the world," Qantas Chief executive Alan Joyce said.

It was a difficult time in the aviation business but "the worst is over for us", Mr Joyce said.

The company reported a bottom line loss of $2.8 billion in August but has been working steadily on its $2 billion recovery scheme.

It has predicted a return to profitability in the first half of the financial year.

The aircraft - complete with wraparound orange ochre band and the retro flying kangaroo design - was unveiled on Sunday in Seattle by Qantas ambassador John Travolta.