The Qantas Group released that it would acquire up to 110 Airbus A320 aircraft, plus 194 purchase rights and options, to support fleet renewal and growth for the next 10 to 15 years. Smart investment in aircraft is part of the Qantas Group’s five-year plan to build a truly modern, customer-focused and competitive global airline business.
The Group has committed to order up to 110 A320s (106 confirmed from Airbus and four additional aircraft, either purchased or leased, subject to availability). These aircraft will facilitate capacity growth across Jetstar’s domestic and international operations, the launch of Jetstar Japan and the establishment of Qantas’ new premium Asia-focused airline – while the purchase rights and options provide the Group with significant flexibility to pursue further growth opportunities on favourable commercial terms.
In addition, as a result of the new strategy and network changes for Qantas international announced on August 16th, Qantas will defer the delivery of its final six Airbus A380s by up to six years, driving substantial capital cost savings. Qantas’ A380 fleet will reach 12 aircraft by the end of 2011 and 14 aircraft by mid-2013. The remaining six A380s will be delivered to coincide with the retirement of Qantas’ last six Boeing 747ER aircraft.
Qantas also announced that it will invest almost $400 million in new international lounges, new inflight entertainment and aircraft refurbishment to improve the customer experience.
