The Framlingham-born man was one of four people who established national airline Qantas in 1920, shortly after returning from the World War I battlefield.

Cr Brian Kelson said the McGinness legacy tied in well with the Warrnambool Airport redevelopment, recognising the contribution the region has made to Australian aviation.

“Given that we’re redeveloping our airport, it would be great to recognise a man who did so much for Australian air travel,” Cr Kelson said.

“Paul McGinness was a war hero and received the Distinguished Conduct Medal. He was also a big part in forming Qantas in the 1920s, one of the world’s oldest airlines.”

The Queensland and Northern Territory Aerial Service was formed in November 1920 by Mr McGinness, Sir Hudson Fysh, Arthur Baird and Sir Fergus McMaster.

Mr McGinness was born at Framlingham in 1896, served in World War I at Gallipoli and in Palestine. He died in 1952.

South-west Victoria was the birthplace of another national carrier. Businessman Sir Reg Ansett started his airline from Hamilton in 1936 and is recognised by the city through a permanent museum.