Qantas buying 3 x A321PCF's.

[lloyd fox]

Source :SMH.

"Australia Post and Qantas have struck a $1.4 billion deal that will see the airline introduce three new Airbus freighters to its network to help meet Australia's surging demand for online shopping.

Under the agreement, Australia Post will continue to have access to Qantas' dedicated freighter airline network, along with priority access to belly space on 1500 passenger flights.

Qantas will also invest in three new Airbus A321P2F aircraft, former passenger jets which have been converted into cargo jets, which boast a holding capacity of 208 cubic metres and can ship nearly 28 tonnes.

Compared to the airlines' existing Boeing 737 cargo planes, each of these new aircraft will have an increased capacity of nine tonnes and are due to enter the fleet in October next year.

Qantas will be the first in the world to operate the popular A321 as a cargo plane, with chief executive Alan Joyce saying the expansion was essential to keep up with Australia's love for online shopping."