David Gray Getty Images News Getty Images Qantas Airways announced Monday that it has ordered 12 A350-1000 aircraft from Airbus to be used on the world’s largest commercial flight from Sydney to London, as well as 40 narrow-body aircraft to renew its fleet. The deal comes as market conditions improve and demand for domestic and international travel recovers from the pandemic faster than expected, allowing the carrier to reduce debt and forecast a return on profits for the financial year starting July 1st. “The decision of the board to approve the largest order of aircraft in the Australian Air Force is a clear vote of confidence for the future of the Qantas Group,” said CEO Alan Joyce in a statement. Qantas did not disclose the value of the deal, but it is likely to be in the billions of dollars based on aircraft list prices. The direct flights from Sydney to London, which will last almost 20 hours, will start at the end of 2025 after the delivery of the A350-1000, the airline said. The A350 will carry 238 passengers in first place, business class, premium economy and economy class, with more than 40% of the cabin dedicated to premium seats, he added. Deliveries of the 20 A321XLR will begin in late 2024, while 20 smaller A220s will arrive by the end of 2023 – renewing the carrier’s aging domestic fleet. The order also includes options for the purchase of another 94 aircraft that will arrive by 2034. “The phasing out of this mandate means that it can be financed within our debt range and through profits, while still leaving room for shareholder returns under our financial framework,” Joyce said. The new home fleet “will reduce emissions by at least 15% if it runs on fossil fuels and significantly better when it runs on sustainable aviation fuels,” Joyce said, adding that his Project Sunrise would be carbon neutral from day one. day. Qantas selected Airbus as its preferred supplier in December for a large order to upgrade its aging narrow-body fleet, in a blow to incumbent Boeing. Reuters reported on Sunday, citing sources, that the airline was going to announce the deal that brings it closer to starting a record 20-hour direct flight on the “kangaroo route” between Sydney and London. In a separate statement, Qantas said that while expecting an underlying operating loss for fiscal 2022, the second half of the year will benefit from improved domestic and international demand with free cash flow being further observed this quarter.
