Qantas will convert two of its Airbus A330 passenger aircraft into freighters to support the significant shift towards consumers shopping online.
One of the converted wide-body freighters will be used in Qantas Freight’s international network, while the other will be a new addition to the dedicated fleet that serves Australia Post’s domestic parcel and mail business.
In addition, Qantas Freight will receive its third Airbus A321P2F freighter this week, which will also operate for Australia Post. The narrow-body aircraft previously operated passenger services for Jetstar. The freighter will provide additional capacity ahead of what’s expected to be the busiest Christmas period ever for air cargo.
The seat capacity of the two A330s will be replaced by more efficient scheduling on the Qantas passenger network.
Qantas will also take delivery of three new Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners during 2022. Qantas CEO Alan Joyce said the conversion of the two wide-body A330 aircraft would significantly increase capacity for both domestic and international freight.