Qantas approaches future fleet with eye for competitive edge, simplification

Qantas Airways continues to evaluate a number of aircraft types, including new narrowbodies as well as Boeing’s proposed New Mid-Market Airplane. A slide accompanying the airline’s first half results presentation outlines the airline’s thinking in regard to fleet, dividing aircraft types into 4 categories: exit fading technology, mainstream fleet (fit for purpose), adapting next generation technology, and evaluating future technology. The existing fleet mix largely offers the “right aircraft right route,” but Qantas sees future aircraft as path to “enhanced competitive advantage”. The chart indicates that the airline is largely satisfied with its international fleet widebody fleet. The airline’s 6 remaining Boeing 747-400s will see an accelerated replacement in 2020 by the smaller, but far more efficient, 787-9. <br/>