Qantas Brings First 787 Deliveries Forward

Qantas has said it now expects to receive the first of 50 Boeing 787 Dreamliners – 787-8 – in mid-2012.

The change follows an agreement reached with Boeing to bring forward the delivery of eight 787-8s by around two years. The first aircraft will be used by Jetstar for its international operations.

 “It [the 787] will be ideal for point-to-point flying on medium density routes, both short and long haul and will allow Jetstar to move into southern Europe as well as build on its Asian network,” said Qantas Chief Executive Officer, Mr Alan Joyce. “It will also be suitable for Qantas services into Asia, and even for high traffic routes on Qantas’ domestic network.”

The Boeing 787s are expected to give airlines lower operating and maintenance costs, greater fuel efficiency and improved environmental performance. They also offer passengers larger windows, higher humidity and a lower cabin altitude pressure.

The change to the Qantas’ Boeing 787 order will see:

- Qantas Group firm orders remain at 50 aircraft, comprising 15 787-8s and 35 787-9s;
- the first eight aircraft – all 787-8s – delivered from mid-2012;
- the remaining seven 787-8s, along with 35 787-9s, to follow from 2014, allowing for the retirement of Qantas’ remaining Boeing 767-300ER fleet and providing for international growth for Jetstar or Qantas; and
- Qantas retain the ability to purchase up to 50 additional aircraft.

The group’s first 15 787s will be delivered to Jetstar for international growth which will also enable the transfer of A330-200s from Jetstar to Qantas and the retirement of Qantas 767-300ERs.

Jetstar will configure the 787-8 fleet for its low fare international operations to accommodate 313 passengers in two classes that includes its international business class, StarClass.

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