Qantas name Perth to London route Dreamliner 'Quokka'

Qantas has announced its new Dreamliner used for direct flights from Perth to London will be named after the quokka.

Quokka was among the most popular suggestions in a national poll of more than 60,000 entries to name the airline's fleet of eight Dreamliners.

The airline's first two Dreamliner aircraft have been named Great Southern Land and Waltzing Matilda, with Quokka to be joined by Skippy later this year.

Each name is painted beneath cockpit window and as more of the eight Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner are delivered, further names will be revealed.

Western Australian Tourism Minister Paul Papalia has welcomed the announcement.

"The quokka, known as the world's happiest animal, is truly unique to Western Australia," he said.

"Our pristine Rottnest Island, just a 30-minute ferry ride from Perth, is the only place on the planet where people can mingle with the beloved marsupial. And now the name fittingly sits on the side of a Qantas Dreamliner bringing tourists to our great state."

"We can't wait to welcome new visitors to Perth, and I know the quokkas will be ready to star in any holiday snaps," he said. 

Qantas' direct flights between London and Perth will commence in March.