Qantas has selected the Airbus A320neo, A321neo, and A220 as the aircraft of choice for the long-term renewal of its domestic narrowbody fleet, which includes the replacement of the Boeing 737-800 and Boeing 717.
The agreement consists of a firm order for 20 Airbus A321XLRs and 20 Airbus A220-300s. It will also have the option to purchase an additional 94 aircraft for a delivery period of more than 10 years, which will include more Airbus A220s, A320neo, and A321neo. Furthermore, it is in addition to an order for 36 A321XLRs placed in 2020 for delivery in 2024.
The orders would be subject to final Board approval, with an order anticipated by the end of 2022 with flexibility in the timing and mix of aircraft from these two families.
Today’s announcement follows a detailed thorough review by the airline’s engineering, flight operations, customer experience, network, fleet acquisition, and finance teams. The airline performed a detailed evaluation of the A320neo and B737 MAX families, as well as the smaller A220 and Embraer E190 / 195-E2.
The deal is in addition to Jetstar’s existing agreement with Airbus for more than 100 A320neo family aircraft. Included in this new agreement is the combination of these two orders to enable the Group to use a total of 299 aircraft from the European manufacturer as required over the next decade for Qantas, QantasLink, and Jetstar.
Once finalized, this will represent the largest aircraft order in Australian aviation history.
«The Airbus agreement has the added benefit of providing ongoing flexibility within the order, meaning we can continue to choose between all A320neo and A220 families based on our evolving needs in the years ahead. The capability to combine the Jetstar and Qantas order for the A320 type was also a factor,» explained Qantas Group CEO Alan Joyce.
Jetstar, Qantas low-cost subsidiaryJetstar, the low-cost subsidiary of Qantas
The airline had named the renewal of its domestic fleet «Project Winton» in honor of the city where the national airline was born 101 years ago, marking this project as a key strategic decision for the future of Qantas Domestic.
«This is a long-term renewal plan with deliveries and payments being spread over the next decade and beyond, but the similarly long lead time for aircraft orders means we must make these decisions now».
«The combination of small, medium, and large aircraft and the different range and economics of each means we can have the right aircraft on the right route.»
«For customers, this means having more departures throughout the day on a smaller aircraft and additional capacity at peak times with a larger aircraft or even more the ability to start a new regional route because the costs of the aircraft make it possible.»
Alan Joyce said that he will introduce a new interior and flight experience once the new aircraft begin to be delivered.
