Qantas CE says ultra long haul planes will keep lid on fares

Qantas CE Alan Joyce says passengers can look forward to continued falling fares with the new ultra long-haul planes his airline has challenged Boeing and Airbus to build. Joyce said he wanted to be flying to London and New York from Australia's east coast by 2022 and being able to avoid stops would be more economic for his airline. Boeing is developing the advanced 777X with massive composite wings that fold-up at their tips to allow them to use existing airports and with aerodynamics and new engines that could allow them to fly up to 16,110km. Joyce said the cost of flying had been falling in real terms for years and this would continue. "We have seen the benefits of technology passed on to consumers and I think with the advent of this aircraft that's going to be the trend." Qantas was also keen on flying directly from the eastern states to Cape Town and Rio de Janeiro in the future. Aircraft burned large amounts of fuel taking off and landing and incur extra airport and handling costs. "Both Boeing and Airbus say they're up for the challenge - the head of Airbus said it was a bit like the space race a bit like getting to the moon," said Joyce.<br/>