Qantas has announced an orders for Airbus aircraft that it reshape its international and domestic fleet over the next decade. In addition to the initial order, Qantas has also announced purchase rights to additional aircraft.
The headline announcement was an order for 12 Airbus A350 aircraft. These aircraft form the basis of Project Sunrise, will give Qantas the ability to fly non-stop from Australia to any city in the world. The first of these flights are non stop flights from Sydney to London and New York.
On the domestic front, Qantas has placed an initial order of 40 A321XLRs and A220s. In addition, Qantas has purchase right options on an additional 94 aircraft.
Green light for Project Sunrise
The A350-1000 aircraft will be used to launch the Project Sunrise routes. This will see Qantas operate from Sydney to New York and London from late 2025.
Aircraft Configuration
Qantas is proposing a fairly spacious four cabin configuration for the A350 aircraft. First Class will feature six First suites, while Business will be fitted out with 52 Business suites. Premium Economy will consist of 40 seats with a 40″ pitch. Finally, there will be 140 Economy seats with a generous 33″ pitch.
Qantas Domestic Fleet Renewal
Qantas has also locked in its domestic fleet refresh. The initial order sees Qantas locking in 20 A321XLR and 20 Airbus A220 aircraft. These aircraft will progressively take over operations from the current 737 and 717 fleet.
In addition to the order for 40 aircraft, Qantas also has 94 purchase right options spread across the A320 and A220 family. These options contain flexibility in which aircraft will actually be ordered when the time comes.
In addition, Qantas has combines an existing order of 109 A320 aircraft for Jetstar. Overall, this gives the group orders for 299 narrow body aircraft from Airbus.