Qantas To Receive First B787-8 Fleet In 2012

Qantas will receive the first of 50 Boeing 787 Dreamliners – a B787-8 series aircraft – in mid-2012, two years ahead of schedule.

The Boeing 787-8 aircraft

The change follows an agreement reached with Boeing to bring forward the delivery of eight B787-8s by around two years. The first aircraft will be used by Jetstar for its low fare international operations, to accommodate 313 passengers in two classes that include its international business class, Star Class.

Qantas Chief Executive Officer, Mr Alan Joyce, said the Qantas Group had firm orders for 50 B787s in place, and remained the second largest airline customer for the Dreamliner.

“Today’s announcement confirms that the B787, with its new technologies and improved fuel efficiency, is still very much the right aircraft – for both Qantas and Jetstar,” Mr Joyce said.
“It 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. It will also be suitable for Qantas services into Asia, and even for high traffic routes on Qantas’ domestic network.”

Mr Joyce continued: “The phased delivery of 50 B787s will deliver lower operating and maintenance costs, greater fuel efficiency and improved environmental performance to both airlines. The 787s will also deliver benefits for passengers with larger windows, higher humidity and a lower cabin altitude pressure improving the flying experience.”

The airline’s fleet order will comprise 15 B787-8s and 35 B787-9s. The delivery of the first eight B787-8s in 2012 will enable Jetstar’s international growth, while the remaining fleet will follow on from 2014. The new schedule allows for the transfer of Jetstar’s A330-200s to Qantas, and the retirement of Qantas’ current B767-300ER fleet. Qantas also retain the ability to purchase up to 50 additional aircraft.