Qantas Orders 12 Boeing 787 and 12 Airbus A350 Airplanes for Significant Fleet Revamp

Boeing and Qantas Airlines announced the carrier has selected Boeing’s family of fuel-efficient airplanes to expand its future fleet with four 787-9 and eight 787-10 Dreamliner airplanes. (Boeing image)

Qantas Airways, Australia’s national carrier, has unveiled a significant order for 24 new widebody aircraft to replace its aging Airbus A330s and A380s. The order is evenly split between 12 Boeing 787s and 12 Airbus A350s, with deliveries commencing in the financial year 2027 and extending into the following decade. This strategic move will fortify Qantas’ route network, both existing and new, while honoring the legacy of Sir Hudson Fysh, a co-founder of the airline.

According to Qantas Group CEO Alan Joyce, this aircraft order signifies a transformative decision for the company, promising improved travel experiences for passengers, job opportunities for staff, and fresh routes. Moreover, this order supplements the 149 firm aircraft already in Qantas’ pipeline for domestic renewal, Project Sunrise flights, and Jetstar operations.

Qantas presently operates a fleet of 16 Airbus A330-200, 10 A330-300, and 10 A380 models. Today’s order will replace the older A330 and A380 aircraft with four Boeing 787-9s and eight 787-10s, and 12 Airbus A350-1000s.

This deal with Airbus and Boeing also secures Qantas’ access to up to 500 million liters of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) annually, commencing from 2028. SAF stands as a potent alternative to traditional jet fuel, effectively reducing lifecycle carbon emissions by up to 80%, aligning seamlessly with Qantas’ emission reduction plan.

Aligned with its global expansion strategy, Qantas Group’s embrace of the 787 Dreamliner and A350 aircraft centers on elevating fuel efficiency and eco-consciousness. This choice resonates with the company’s dedication to mitigating carbon emissions not only within the next decade but also for years ahead.

Alan Joyce, Qantas Group CEO, voiced his excitement about this significant investment, underscoring its positive implications for both customers and employees. The proven reliability and impressive capabilities of the 787 models, alongside their GE engines, underscore Qantas’ confidence in this transformative step.

This shift to the 787 and A350 seamlessly meshes with Qantas’ sustainability goals, yielding a potential reduction in fuel usage and emissions by up to 25% compared to earlier aircraft generations. This new fleet also features quieter engines and is engineered for compatibility with Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), a pivotal tool in emission reduction. This recent aircraft order serves as a critical element of Qantas’ comprehensive fleet modernization initiative, progressively enhancing overall fuel efficiency over time.

Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, msn.com, qantas.com, markets.businessinsider.com, boeing.com