Australia’s Qantas Airways has widened its fleet-modernisation and expansion studies to include the Airbus A350 and Boeing 787 and says orders for up to 60 new aircraft could be placed by the end of the year.
Last year the Oneworld alliance carrier began evaluating aircraft to replace its Boeing 747-400s, and assessed the A340-500/600 and 777-200LR/300ER.
Qantas is now less interested in aircraft in the A340-600 and 777-300ER category than it was last year, and has begun focusing mainly on aircraft in the mid-size widebody category, both for growth and to replace its fleet of 767-300ERs, say industry sources.
“Having looked at the 777 and the A340 last year, we have extended consideration of a possible replacement for our Boeing 767s and 747s to the 787 and the A350. This would involve up to 60 new aircraft,” says Qantas.
The carrier’s mainline fleet comprises A330-200/300s, 737-300/400/800s, 747-300/400/400ERs and 767-300ERs. On order are Airbus A380s, as well as more A330s and 737-800s.
- Hong Kong’s Cathay Pacific Airways has issued a long-awaited request for proposals for A340-600s or 777-300ERs and expects to place orders later in the year. The airline expects to receive responses in July.
NICHOLAS IONIDES/SINGAPORE
Source: Flight International
