A major deal has been announced between Qantas and the manufacturers of new models of narrowbody domestic and regional aircraft.
The deal includes purchase rights for another 94 aircraft, including smaller models.
Qantas Group has an existing agreement with Airbus for over 100 A320neo Family aircraft, which will be used to renew low-cost carrier Jetstar's A320ceo Family fleet. Qantas Group and Airbus have committed to more than 300 aircraft. It will be Australia's largest aircraft order in history.
The A320neo Family and A 220s were selected by Qantas, whereas the LEAP engine was selected by Jetstar. The current and past fleets of Qantas and Jetstar are powered by different types of engines.
Qantas Group will benefit from the fuel savings of 15-20 percent from the new generation engines from CFM and Whitney.
The fleet renewal scheme.
Qantas has been looking at options to replace its narrowbody fleet of 75 planes for a few years. The Boeing 717s, which operate under the QantasLink brand, are set to be phased out. Over the course of ten years, the new aircraft will act to replace existing aircraft, as well as expand operations and increase route frequencies depending on demand.
Qantas can tailor routes based on demand thanks to the flexibility of the A321 and A 220. One day the A321XLR could operate Perth and the next day it could operate Tokyo. If there are days when a widebody such as the A330 or the 787 is too much for a particular route, this is perfect. It allows Qantas greater flexibility when it comes to seasonal demand, as well as allowing it to place particular aircraft on popular holiday routes later on in the flight.
Extra capacity at peak times with a larger aircraft is what it means for customers. The economics of the aircraft make it possible to start a new route.
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Alan Joyce is the CEO of Qantas.
Qantas says that the XLR can carry 15 per cent more passengers than the B737-800s, making it a good choice for busy routes between capital cities. The added range and extra cargo space could make for an attractive proposition in the booming air freight market.
QantasLink operates the Boeing 717 on the east coast of Australia and the Fokker 100 in Western Australia to support mining routes. The aircraft has proven to be a dependable asset to the Qantas fleet, taking over the likes of Q400s during peek demand on routes and operating where the 737 is too much.
The aircraft has been subject to replacement analysis for nearly 20 years.
The competitors responded.
Qantas was interested in buying the E2 and the MAX jet families from Boeing and Embraer.
Qantas could use maintenance and flight crew commonality with the MAX jets. This did not pose an issue to the group because of the proven and existing A320 operations and the order that makes the NEO just as desirable. With A320s operating for QantasLink and a strong presence of A330s and A380s, the total training will be minimal.
Qantas continues to assess modified A350s, which were selected over Boeing's competing 777X platform, for ultra-long-range flights between Australia, Europe and America.
Qantas selected the A350-1000 for Project Sunrise.
Once all is said and done, the only Boeing aircraft in the Qantas passenger fleet will be the 787 Dreamliner. The 747-8 and 767 are performing at a record level in freight.
We look forward to continuing our partnership despite our disappointment.
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The Boeing spokesman.
Qantas got a good trial of the Embraer aircraft when it worked with Alliance and began operation, however an attractive deal from Airbus which pairs a family of narrowbody jets under the one supply chain ended up being the better option.
The company has yet to respond.
