Today, the Qantas Group has announced several major fleet decisions that it says will reshape its international and domestic networks over the next decade and beyond.
Domestically, Qantas will begin the renewal of its narrow-body jets as part of ‘Project Winton’ with firm orders for 20 Airbus A321XLRs and 20 A220-300s as its Boeing 737s and 717s are gradually retired.
Qantas says the first of these aircraft will start to arrive in late calendar 2023, with the order including purchase right options for another 94 aircraft for delivery through to at least 2034.
Speaking about the announcement, Qantas Group CEO Alan Joyce said, “The A320s and A220s will become the backbone of our domestic fleet for the next 20 years, helping to keep this country moving. Their range and economics will make new direct routes possible, including serving regional cities better.
Internationally, twelve Airbus A350-1000s are on order to operate non-stop ‘Project Sunrise’ flights from Australia to other cities, including New York and London, scheduled to start by the end of calendar 2025 from Sydney. Read all about it here.
The Group says these next-generation aircraft will improve how people travel around Australia and overseas through lower emissions, longer range, less noise, and better economics.
“These newer aircraft and engines will reduce emissions by at least 15 per cent if running on fossil fuels, and significantly better when run on Sustainable Aviation Fuel,” said Mr Joyce.
“This order brings us closer to our commitment to reach net-zero emissions by 2050. Project Sunrise will be carbon neutral from day one.”
“We have come through the other side of the pandemic, a structurally different company. Our domestic market share is higher, and the demand for direct international flights is even stronger than it was before COVID. The business case for Project Sunrise has an internal rate of return in the mid-teens.
“The Board’s decision to approve what is the largest aircraft order in Australian aviation is a clear vote of confidence in the future of the Qantas Group. Our strategy for these aircraft will see us generate significant benefits for those who make it possible – our people, our customers and our shareholders,” said Mr Joyce.
For more, head to www.qantasnewsroom.com.au