French Airplane Maker Airbus Confirms Australia’s Qantas Adding To Fleet

Earlier today, 02 May 2022, Airbus announced Qantas, Australia’s largest domestic and international airline has signed an agreement to order 12ea A350-1000, 20ea A220, and 20ea A321XLR (eXtra Long Range).

Qantas had conducted evaluation projects to suit its desired mission, while also continuing to position themselves as frontrunners of the Australian airline industry. Qantas sought to add the A350-1000 to provide the capability for non-stop flights to London, New York, and other international destinations. In the A321XLR and A220, Qantas can cover Australia end to end, with the former permitting an Australia to South East Asia run.

While the A350-1000, a double-aisle aircraft is powered by Rolls Royce’s Trent XWB engines, the A220 and A321 and single-aisle aircraft powered by Pratt & Whitney GTF engines which (somewhat) simplifies the maintenance in not having to deal with too much variety, but more importantly, perhaps carry less inventory? Qantas CEO Alan Joyce stated that the addition of these aircraft to the fleet opens up operational possibilities, chief of which was the “tyranny of distance.” Mr. Joyce foresees the A321 and A220 becoming the backbone of their domestic fleet for the next 20 years, and was buoyed by the confidence shone by the board in greenlighting the order, the largest ever in its history.

Naturally, Airbus is ecstatic about the deal, and as the Chief Commercial Officer and Head of Airbus International, Christian Scherer said, “we are honoured by the confidence Qantas is placing in Airbus”. In the authors opinion, the improved fuel efficiency in conjunction with a reduced carbon emissions and noise footprint 50% lower than the previous generation, and the aircraft’s use of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) blend likely influenced the Board’s decision as many companies seek to exercise corporate social responsibility and demonstrated sustainability.

Qantas, founded in Queensland, in 1920 has grown the become Australia’s largest domestic and international airlines.  Other domestics include Virgin, Jetstar, and Rex. Airbus has been in business for over 50 years, and is a manufacturer of a myriad of fixed and rotary wing aircraft for commercial, defense, space, and security.

FMI: https://qantas.com, https://airbus.com