By aviation writer Scott Mayman

Qantas has quietly deleted a phrase from its in-flight Welcome to Country acknowledgement, not that it’s doing them any favours with the opposition leader. 

For years, Qantas has paid respects to indigenous elders “past, present and emerging”.

However, after consulting indigenous staff and leaders, the airline recently removed the word “emerging” as it was contested to undermine the importance of eldership among cultures and was considered presumptuous.

The change wasn’t noticed until recently and has reportedly been well received within First Nations groups.

Meanwhile, on Monday, Opposition Leader Peter Dutton said the acknowledgment to country given by Qantas when planes landed was “over the top”.

“We are all equal Australians,” he said. “I believe we should stand behind one flag united to help indigenous Australians deal with disparity around health outcomes, around education outcomes, around housing, around safety […] I want to provide support for practical reconciliation. The prime minister’s policy is to please inner city Greens, which is not something we signed up to.”