Qantas Group is to receive its first Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft in mid-2012. The aircraft – a B787-8 series – is earmarked for the group's low-cost carrier Jetstar, which will deploy the wide-body, fuel efficient plane for its international operations.
"It will be ideal for point-to-point flying on medium density routes both short and long haul, and will allow Jetstar to move into southern Europe as well as build on its Asian network," said group chief executive Alan Joyce.
The group has ordered from Boeing a fleet of 50 Dreamliners - 15 B787-8s and 35 B787-9s - to renew the fleet of both Qantas and Jetstar.
The first eight aircraft - all B787-8s - will be delivered from mid-2012 while the remaining seven B787-8s and 35 B787-9s will follow from 2014.
"This is further confirmation that Qantas remains committed to growing both our airline brands by renewing our fleet and improving the flexibility of our domestic and international operations," said Joyce, adding that the phased delivery will enable "lower operating and maintenance costs, greater fuel efficiency and improved environmental performance to both airlines".
Qantas Group will allocate its first 15 Dreamliners to Jetstar, which will allow the group to transfer its Airbus 330-200 planes from Jetstar to Qantas and to retire its B767-300ER fleet.
Meanwhile, Jetstar will configure its B787-8 fleet for its international operations to accommodate 313 passengers in two classes: International Business class and StarClass.
For more information, please visit www.qantas.com.au
Gigi Onag
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