Qantas cuts Dreamliner orders

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Published: 26/06/2009 - Filed under: News »

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Qantas has cut the number of Boeing 787s it has on order from 65 to 50 aircraft, and has defered the delivery of another 15 Dreamliners by four years.

The carrier has cancelled an order for 15 B787-9 aircraft due for delivery in 2014/2015, and will now see its first Dreamliner aircraft being delivered from mid-2013 (destined for subsidiary Jetstar’s international operations).

Qantas CEO Alan Joyce said the changes to the Group's B787 orders were “appropriate in the current climate”, and that discussions with Boeing had not been influenced by the announcement this week of a design issue and further delay to the aircraft's first flight (see online news June 23)

"Qantas announced its original B787 order in December 2005, and the operating environment for the world's airlines has clearly changed dramatically since then," said Joyce.

"The agreement we have reached with Boeing will provide greater certainty going forward in terms of our fleet renewal and growth strategies as well as broader resource planning and matching capacity with demand.

"It will also allow Qantas to manage capital investment more effectively while still delivering an aircraft that offers sound prospects for our flying businesses and our customers.

"For both Qantas and Jetstar, the B787 will provide for international capacity growth and new routes, including point-to-point destinations, and mean lower operating and maintenance costs, greater fuel efficiency and improved environmental performance.

"The latest delay is disappointing, but we do not expect it to impact the Qantas Group given these changes to our delivery program. We remain committed to the aircraft as the right choice - for Jetstar's future international expansion, Qantas' growth and as a replacement for Qantas' B767-300 fleet."

Qantas added that despite the cuts the group will jointly remain the biggest airline customer for B787 family aircraft.

For more information visit qantas.com.au.

Report by Mark Caswell

The changes to Qantas’ Dreamliner orders (based on current Boeing planning guidance) will see:

Qantas Group firm orders reduce from 65 to 50 aircraft, comprising 35 B787-9s and 15 B787-8s
the Group's first 15 aircraft - B787-9s for Jetstar's international operations - delivered from mid-2013, around three years later than planned. Jetstar was to take delivery of 15 smaller B787-8s in mid-2010
15 B787-8s follow over the 12 months from the fourth quarter of 2014 for Qantas' Australian domestic operations and to retire the remaining Qantas B767-300 fleet
remaining deliveries, of 20 B787-9s for both Qantas and Jetstar international operations, take place from the fourth quarter of 2015 through to 2017
Qantas retain the ability to purchase up to 50 additional aircraft