Flight International online news 08:00 GMT: Australia’s Qantas Airways has confirmed it will issue a request for proposal (RFP) to Airbus and Boeing for new medium-size widebody aircraft.
The Oneworld carrier says an RFP will be issued to ask Airbus to offer a mix of A340s and A350s and Boeing a mix of 777s and 787s. The A350s or 787s will be used to replace Boeing 767-300s on medium-haul international, trans-Tasman and domestic routes while the A340s or 777s will be used on “hub busting routes”.
Qantas began evaluating A340s and 777s last year as possible replacements for its Boeing 747-400s. Flight International’s sister publication Air Transport Intelligence reported in June its fleet modernisation study had been widened to include the A350 and 787.
Qantas told ATI the carrier was looking to order up to 60 new widebodies by year-end but the statement today does not disclose how many aircraft are being sought as part of the RFP or when a selection will be made.
Chief executive Geoff Dixon says in the statement the RFP is the first stage in a new fleet renewal programme. Qantas already holds options on new Airbus A320s and Boeing 737-800s to cover narrowbody growth and possible Boeing 737-400 replacements. Dixon says new widebodies are now needed to further improve Qantas’ flexibility and cost structure.
BRENDAN SOBIE/SINGAPORE
Source: Flight International
