It’s Airbus vs Boeing in Qantas’ order for over 100 new jets
Over 100 new jets for Qantas regional and domestic services from end of 2023
Airbus A320neo vs Boeing 737 MAX to replace Boeing 737-800s
Airbus A220 vs Embraer E-Jet E2 to replace Boeing 717s
Qantas will order up to 100 new jets in a sweeping upgrade of its domestic fleet, with Airbus, Boeing and Embraer all vying for a share of the lucrative and highly prestigious contract.
The airline is seeking to renew its primary Boeing 737 jet workforce along with part of its regional QantasLink fleet, taking advantage of a Covid-driven slump in jet sales to nail down the best price.
Although first deliveries would begin in late 2023, the extensive program – which Qantas has dubbed Project Winton, after the airline's birthplace in outback Queensland – would stretch through to 2034.
"This is a long-term renewal plan with deliveries and payments spread over 10 years, starting in FY23, but the equally long lead time means we need to make these decisions soon," explains Qantas Group CEO Alan Joyce.
In the wake of Covid, Joyce maintains "there aren't many airlines around the world in a position to place orders for new aircraft... we know travel demand will rebound quickly and right now we're in a strong position to secure the best possible deal at very good prices."
Qantas has shortlisted the Airbus A220 and A320neo, Boeing 737 MAX and Embraer E-Jet E2 families for its new domestic fleet.
These new-generation aircraft are not only more fuel-efficient than the planes they're replacing, but are generally quieter and boast a modern design aesthetic which places increased focus on the passenger experience.
Based on an order of 100 jets split between the regional and mainline fleets, the prize could be worth around A$14 billion (US$10 billion) at average list prices, although airlines typically see discounts of over 40% off the sticker.
It's a once-in-a-generation opportunity for the winning aircraft manufacturer, but the clock is ticking: Qantas expects to make its final decision by the end of 2021, and place firm orders by mid-2022.
Airbus A320neo vs Boeing 737 MAX
With 75 red-tailed Boeing 737-800s dominating Australian and short-range international routes, this is the main game – and the 'brass ring' prize for Airbus or Boeing as Qantas' workhorse for several decades to come.
Airbus will position its increasingly popular A320neo family – specifically the A320neo and A321neo – against the beleaguered Boeing 737 MAX (with the MAX 7, 8, 9 and 10 all under consideration).
Airbus A220 vs Embraer E-Jet E2
The regional contest – to replace 20 ageing Boeing 717s – will be between the smaller Airbus A220 and the Embraer E2 series.
Joyce was noticeably impressed with the A220 during a Sydney flight in 2019, calling it "a great replacement to the Boeing 717 – not too dissimilar in configuration, but with a lot more overhead bin space, a lot more space in the cabin, even the toilets are big."
"It looks like a very good aircraft, it's very quiet, and I think passengers will love it," he told Executive Traveller.
About the only thing he wasn't keen on was the price, which at the time listed at US$81-US$91.5 million.
"What Airbus has to get right is the pricing, it's priced very high, and for us to buy it it has to be a lot cheaper than the prices we've been seeing."
https://www.executivetraveller.com/n...stic-jet-fleet