Qantas orders new 787s and A350s

So in actual fact, there will be exactly the same number of widebodies after A330 & A380 replacement

Now: 10x A380, 14x 787, 26x A330 (50 total),
Later: 26x 787, 24x A350 (50 total)

AJ is being interviewed on Sky News in 5 minutes.
 
They’re at least a year late placing this order, which is why they’re now at the back of the queue behind major orders from airlines like United and Air India.

With deliveries only starting in 2027, three things jump out at me:

1) I can’t even imagine how dilapidated those A330s are going to be in another four years.

2) There’s going to be very little international passenger growth between now and the end of the decade

3) That capex mountain from 2026 onwards looks like Mount Everest now when you consider there’s Winton, Sunrise and now Fysh happening all at the same time.
 
I guess the 12 more 350-1000's from 2032 (that's a LONG way off!) to replace the 380's imply the 777X is off the table at this point, since there's no place for it under this plan.
 
Okay, so the number of planes is not diminishing, but is the number of seats?

It’s interesting question because they’ve speculated in the speeches the A321 might also do a lot of short regional hops under QFi, allowing for new skinny routes to open up, and add additional shoulder demand, seasonal routes…. They’ve also highlighted from July QFi will surpass pre-covid capacity.
 
Okay, so the number of planes is not diminishing, but is the number of seats?

It would be close depending on the configuration (SQ 787-10s have 336 seats). Certainly a capability increase - 50 aircraft that can all fly BNE-LAX type distances.

I wonder if the regular A350s will retain F?

I wouldn't rule out some JQ 788s going to QF.
 
3) That capex mountain from 2026 onwards looks like Mount Everest now when you consider there’s Winton, Sunrise and now Fysh happening all at the same time.
Not the problem of we-know-who, of course but we will hear a bit more from AJ and the fleet:

IMG_4455.jpeg
 
With deliveries only starting in 2027, three things jump out at me

Suspect it's really for later than that.
Other slides show by end FY26 they've only received 3/12 350s from the initial Sunrise order
And 12/20 321XLRs.

Also a new A330 refurb program from FY25, particularly focussed on Economy - mention of next gen seat for the aircraft sticking around.

Per pg. 25
Screenshot_20230824-111157.png
 
I guess the 12 more 350-1000's from 2032 (that's a LONG way off!) to replace the 380's imply the 777X is off the table at this point, since there's no place for it under this plan.

Regular A350s are being delivered from 2028 (and the ULR from 2026), the retirement of A380s starts in 2032. (A330 in 2027).

That suggests to me, while the A350s are the A380 replacements, they will have both for a period in order to retire the A330s quicker.
 
Are there any other manufacturers that are likely to rise up and try to compete against Airbus and Boeing? Speculating, if course
 
Its been done before.
It's just about all Alan has done. Note that over a long tenure, he will have never ordered and taken delivery of any aircraft for mainline!

And from that pg25 chart... at the end of FY26 QF will have 16 deliveries, whilst Jetstar has 23.
 
Note that over a long tenure, he will have never ordered and taken delivery of any aircraft for mainline!
But you can blame Dixon's massive orders for that. They haven't even taken a quarter of the initial 787 order.

Equally with this order I can't see Vanessa Hudson ordering any new widebodies that will be delivered in her tenure. Maybe some 321s.
 
But you can blame Dixon's massive orders for that. They haven't even taken a quarter of the initial 787 order.
Considering Joyce cancelled the majority of those orders and options, one has to wonder how many multiples more expensive this new batch of 12 will be compared to the original contracts.
 
I guess the 12 more 350-1000's from 2032 (that's a LONG way off!) to replace the 380's imply the 777X is off the table at this point, since there's no place for it under this plan.
I don't think its off the table per se as more no-one knows what Boeings actual timeline will be. Hard to commit to something new from Boeing right now with their recent timeline records.
 
Considering Joyce cancelled the majority of those orders and options, one has to wonder how many multiples more expensive this new batch of 12 will be compared to the original contracts.
Undoubtedly more expensive.. but of course the contract terms of those orders and options, doesn't let you push them forever.

And had Qantas rolled into 2020 with say another 20 787s, and the associated extra ~A$5bn of debt/ leases, they might have ended up in a position far more like Virgin Australia.
 
Australia's highest-earning Velocity Frequent Flyer credit card: Offer expires: 21 Jan 2025
- Earn 60,000 bonus Velocity Points
- Get unlimited Virgin Australia Lounge access
- Enjoy a complimentary return Virgin Australia domestic flight each year

AFF Supporters can remove this and all advertisements

Become an AFF member!

Join Australian Frequent Flyer (AFF) for free and unlock insider tips, exclusive deals, and global meetups with 65,000+ frequent flyers.

AFF members can also access our Frequent Flyer Training courses, and upgrade to Fast-track your way to expert traveller status and unlock even more exclusive discounts!

AFF forum abbreviations

Wondering about Y, J or any of the other abbreviations used on our forum?

Check out our guide to common AFF acronyms & abbreviations.
Back
Top