Qantas reveals plans to expand fleet with A320s

Qantas has selected for the first time Airbus A320 aircraft to launch its new premium airline to service routes to/from Australia and the Asian region.

Qantas has selected for the first time Airbus A320 aircraft to launch its new premium airline to service routes to/from Australia and the Asian region. In addition, Jetstar has selected the Airbus A320 to continue its growth in Australia and Asia. The commitment to order a minimum of 106 A320 Family aircraft includes 78 A320neo jets, making Qantas the latest airline to select the worldโ€™s best selling single-aisle aircraft.

The decision to go with Airbus for its short to medium haul operations underpins the Qantas long term strategy to build up a fleet of the worldโ€™s most fuel efficient and reliable aircraft.

โ€œWe are delighted to be investing in Airbusโ€™ fuel efficient A320 Family, including the new A320neo as part of Qantasโ€™ international transformation plan and Jetstarโ€™s pan-Asian expansion.โ€ said Alan Joyce, Qantas CEO. โ€œThe A320 Familyโ€™s outstanding operational efficiency and comfort, paired with its environmental credentials, make it the right choice for Qantas.โ€

โ€œQantas is an exceptionally forward looking and pioneering airline and we are delighted to play such a significant role in the companyโ€™s future strategy.โ€ said John Leahy, Airbus Chief Operating Officer, Customers. โ€œIn a fiercely competitive market this is a great endorsement for our eco-efficient A320neo and A320 aircraft with their unique passenger appeal thanks to their wider cabin.โ€

The A320neo is a new engine option for the A320 Family to enter service in 2015. It incorporates latest generation engines and large “Sharklet” wing tip devices, which together will deliver 15 percent in fuel and CO2 emission savings.

In parallel with this new order, Qantas has decided to adapt deliveries of the last six of its twenty A380s to the airlineโ€™s new business plan. This affects deliveries after 2013.

At present, Qantasโ€™ A380 fleet stands at ten, making the carrier the third largest A380 operator worldwide.

About the author

Avatar of Linda Hohnholz

Linda Hohnholz

Editor in chief for eTurboNews based in the eTN HQ.

Share to...