Qantas Group Adjusts Aircraft Deliveries for FY25

Qantas Group has updated its aircraft delivery schedule for the 2024/25 financial year, expecting seven new aircraft by June 30—two fewer than originally planned. The revised plan comes as supply chain disruptions continue to affect the production process, particularly from seat suppliers, leading to delays in key aircraft models.

The most notable change involves the first A321-200NY(XLR), which will now be delivered in June 2025—approximately two months later than previously scheduled. This delay represents a shift in the group’s delivery timeline as it adjusts to ongoing production challenges. Over the remainder of the financial year, Qantas Group expects to take delivery of another two A220-300s for Qantas. In addition, Jetstar is set to receive one A321-200NX(LR) and three A320-200Ns. These modifications mean that the group will receive one fewer A321XLR and one fewer A321LR than announced in September 2024.

In the first half of the financial year, the group reported a strong delivery record. Jetstar took delivery of six A321-200NX(LR)s and two A320-200Ns, while Qantas received three A220-300s. Alongside these new aircraft, the group also accepted five mid-life models. This batch included two A319-100s dedicated to fly-in-fly-out operations in Western Australia, operated by Network Aviation, and three DHC-8-Q400s that now support the QantasLink regional network, operated by Sunstate Airlines.

Aircraft retirements are also part of the group’s ongoing fleet management strategy. This financial year, Qantas Group plans to retire nineteen older DHC-8-Q200s and DHC-8-Q300s, along with twelve B717-200s. These retirements are set to streamline the fleet as newer, more efficient models are introduced.

Looking ahead, Qantas Group is targeting significant milestones with its long-term fleet strategy. The two remaining A380-800s, currently stored at Abu Dhabi International, are expected to return to service later in 2025. In addition, the first A350-1000ULR—ordered for the ambitious Project Sunrise flights—is scheduled to enter final assembly around September. Test flights will follow, with the first A350 anticipated in the latter half of 2026.

Further highlighting its commitment to modernizing its fleet, Qantas Group announced plans to initiate a B737-800 refurbishment programme in 2026. This extensive upgrade will include the installation of new seats and larger overhead lockers. Forty-two of the seventy-five B737s flying for Qantas will undergo the refurbishment, while the older models will remain unchanged but are likely to be the first candidates for retirement as newer aircraft such as the A321XLR arrive.

Qantas Group CEO Vanessa Hudson expressed confidence in the airline’s strong business performance, stating that the robust financial position enables significant investments in fleet renewal and cabin refurbishments. The group’s after-tax profits for the six months to December 30 rose by 6% to AUD923 million (USD578 million). In a further show of strength, Hudson announced an investor dividend of AUD400 million (USD250 million), the first such payout since 2019. This dividend includes a base payment of AUD250 million (USD156 million) and a special dividend of AUD150 million (USD94 million).

With these fleet adjustments and a clear focus on modernization, Qantas Group is well positioned to maintain its competitive edge, enhance operational efficiency, and continue delivering quality service to passengers across its Qantas, Jetstar, and Qantas Freight brands.

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Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, ch-aviation.com