QANTAS has confirmed the end of an era, bringing forward plans to retire its ageing Boeing 747 fleet in 2020 as it marks its centenary.
The carrier’s announcement today that it has ordered an additional six Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners (TD breaking news) comes as it forecasts a record profit this financial year, allowing it to fast-track its fleet upgrade and withdraw its last six 747-400s from service.
“This is really the end of one era and the start of another,” said Qantas Group ceo Alan Joyce.
“Over the years, each new version of the 747 allowed Qantas to fly further and improve what we offered passengers.
“The Dreamliners are now doing the same thing.”
The additional 787-9 aircraft announced today will give Qantas a total Dreamliner fleet of 14 by the end of 2020, with the first due for delivery late next year.
The airline currently has four 787-9s with a further four due to arrive by the end of this year.
Its current fleet of 10 747s will be phased out from Jul, with the last six to leave by late 2020.
Qantas today posted its third quarter results, with group revenue up 7.5% over the same period last year to $4.25 billion.
Domestic revenue was up 8% in the three months to 31 Mar, partly boosted by this year’s early Easter, while international revenue rose 5.2%, driven by higher demand and load factors.
Qantas expects a full-year record underlying profit before tax of $1.55-1.6 billion.
Source: traveldaily