Max Kingsley-Jones/LONDON
Qantas is evaluating Boeing 747 classic fleets being offered for sale with a view to boosting its own fleet of 747s by up to six aircraft at the end of next year.
The airline is working on a business study which proposes the increase in 747 capacity. This should be completed early in the new year. If the decision to go ahead is agreed, then the airline will look to introduce between four and six secondhand 747-200s or -300s in it fleet in the third and fourth quarter of 1999.
Qantas is now examining Rolls-Royce RB211-powered 747-200s and -300s operated by oneworld partners British Airways and Cathay Pacific, respectively, which have been earmarked for disposal.
Qantas executives have already visited BA's Cardiff maintenance base to examine some of the BA -200s which, along with the Cathay -300s, would provide commonality with the airline's fleet of 11 RB211-powered 747-200/300s.
The airline is believed, however, to be favouring the slightly higher capacity offered by the 747-300's stretched upper deck and is looking at the Singapore Airlines fleet of six Pratt & Whitney JT9D-7R4-powered 747-300s. Although not offering engine commonality with its 747s, the same powerplant equips Qantas' Boeing 767-200ERs.
Cathay began to phase out its 747-200/300 fleet recently, with two -200s already placed with Virgin Atlantic. It has emerged that the airline planned to retire its entire -300 fleet next year and began looking for takers. Talks are under way with a several parties, including Ansett Australia.
BA, meanwhile, aims to dispose of its entire 747-200 fleet by the year 2002.
Source: Flight International
