(TAN): The Qantas Group recently announced a firm order for 24 aircraft to progressively replace its existing A330s.
The multi-billion dollar order is split between 12 Airbus A350s and 12 Boeing 787s arriving from FY27 into the next decade. The group has also negotiated additional purchase right options, split evenly between both manufacturers, to give flexibility for future growth and ultimately replace its 10 A380s with A350s from around FY32 onwards.
[ALSO READ: SWISS launches free chat internet service on all long-haul flights]
Qantas’ A330 aircraft mostly operate on international flights to Asia and the United States as well as some domestic flights. The longer range delivered by the 787 and A350 aircraft on order means they will be able to operate all the routes on the airline’s current international network, as well as open up new ones.
The average age of Qantas’ A330 fleet will be 21 years at the time the replacement programme starts in FY27, which is in line with the Group’s typical replacement profile. Aircraft scheduled to leave the Qantas fleet towards the end of the replacement programme will undergo a cabin refurbishment from FY25, including next-generation seats in the Economy cabin.
As part of the deal with both Airbus and Boeing, Qantas will secure access to up to 500 million litres of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) per annum that would start to flow from 2028.
This has the potential to meet up to 90% of the group’s interim SAF target for 2030.
[ALSO READ: Air New Zealand to host wine tasting event to choose 2024 onboard selection]
Qantas Group CEO Alan Joyce said: “This is another multi-billion dollar investment in the national carrier and it’s great news for our customers and our people. It’s in addition to the 149 firm aircraft we still have on order to continue renewing the domestic fleet for Qantas and Jetstar, and for the non-stop Project Sunrise flights to London and New York. Both the 787 and A350, and the GE and Rolls Royce engines fitted to them, are thoroughly proven and extremely capable. These are generational decisions for this company. The aircraft will arrive over a decade or more and they’ll be part of the fleet for 20 years. They’ll unlock new routes and better travel experiences for customers, and new jobs and promotions for our people.”
