United Kingdom
United States
Asia Pacific
No decision yet on fleet purchase
The Qantas board is belived to have delayed a decision on its largest ever fleet purchase after rival aircraft manufacturers put in last minute revisions to their respective offers.
Some Qantas insiders believe that Boeing will get the lion’s share of the order, but concede it is also possible the airline will opt for planes from both manufacturers, much as it did with its $18 billion order in 2000.
The battle by the plane manufacturers to secure Qantas business has been described as the closest fought in the airline’s history.
Qantas has already ordered 12 A380 superjumbo aircraft, with options for 10 more, to service routes between Australia and the United States and Britain. It also has been taking delivery of Boeing 737-800s to increase this fleet to 33 by the end of 2005.
Details of the decisions are eagerly awaited by analysts keen to get a clearer view of the carrier’s strategy.
“It’s really laying out the future for Qantas for the next 10 years,” said Centre for Asia Pacific Aviation senior analyst Ian Thomas. “So, from that point of view, yes, it is really significant for them.”
“It essentially sets not only the fleet structure, but also the airline structure for the future.”
Related News Stories:
Graham Muldoon
Darren Schaefer on Pensacola’s Evolution: From Small Town to Global Destination
Florida Tourism’s Next Frontier: Dana Young on Expanding Beyond the Classics
Patrick Harrison on Tampa Bay Tourism’s Resilience and Marketing Strategy
Bubba O’Keefe on Clarksdale’s Vibrant Music Scene
Commemorating Elvis and Embracing Tupelo’s Culture with Jennie Bradford Curlee
Craig Ray and the Expansion of the Blues Trail
Presenting Mississippi’s Cultural Trails with Katie Coats
Robert Terrell: A Journey Through BB King’s Influence
Rochelle Hicks: Celebrating Mississippi’s Musical Legacy
Exploring Jacksonville with Katie Mitura: The Flip Side of Florida
Tricia Handley-Hughes of Inteletravel announces the location for the TravelQuest 2025 conference
Insights from James Ferrara on Inteletravel’s Growth and Future
BA pilot dies during layover
Dozens fall ill in P&O Cruises ship outbreak
Turkish Airlines flight in emergency landing after pilot dies
Boy falls to death on cruise ship
Protestors now targeting Amsterdam cruise calls