Qantas to renew domestic fleet, introduce 100 new aircraft by 2034

Qantas Airways entered (05-Oct-2021) the final stages of a formal tender process with aircraft and engine manufacturers for the long term renewal of its domestic narrowbody fleet. The programme will see over 100 new aircraft enter the carrier's domestic fleet by 2034, renewing its Boeing 737-800s and 717s. Deliveries would start from the end of 2023, with the carrier retaining flexibility to make adjustments depending on market conditions. It is considering the Boeing 737 MAX family and A320neo family, as well as the Embraer E-Jet E2 family and the A220. It will evaluate safety, reliability and performance, sustainability and emissions reduction and commercial terms. Final decisions on preferred suppliers of aircraft and engines are expected to be made by the end of 2021, followed by firm orders by mid 2022. [more - original PR]