Award-winning Australian actor Hugh Jackman has been named as a Qantas “global ambassador”.
The partnership between the Flying Kangaroo and the star of the X-Men movie franchise will involve promotional work with the airline and collaboration on community projects in Australia, Qantas said on Tuesday.
“I travel a lot and like all Aussies, I get a buzz whenever I see the familiar red tail and the kangaroo logo, no matter where I am in the world,” Jackman said in a statement.
“Qantas has always had a vital role in promoting Australia as a tourism destination and I’m looking forward to playing my part as we work together to showcase our amazing cities, landscapes and experiences in the US, Asia and beyond.
Jackman, who won a Golden Globe his portrayal of Jean Valjean in Les Miserables and a Tony Award for his performance on the stage in The Boy From Oz, said the community projects involved creating opportunities for Australians “to learn, to work and to reach their potential”.
“I will also be working directly with Qantas employees to build on the fantastic community work they already do and I can’t wait to get started later this year,” Jackman said.
Jackman joins Sydney Swans AFL star Adam Goodes, golfer Greg Norman, actor John Travolta, former Australian cricket captain Michael Clarke and 2012 Paralympic Games long jump gold medallist Kelly Cartwright as a Qantas ambassador, according to the airline’s website.
While Etihad Airways may have “Our Nicole”, after the Abu Dhabi-based carrier linked up with Nicole Kidman in March for the airline’s global television, print and digital advertising campaign, Qantas now has “The Boy from Oz”.
