Qantas has nearly doubled its 787 Dreamliner fleet with an order for 12 widebody jets as it plans to modernise its widebody fleet. The airline placed a firm order for four 787-9 and eight 787-10 jets. The new order is part of Qantas' major fleet renewal program that to increase the airline’s overall fuel efficiency each year.
"This is another multi-billion-dollar investment in the national carrier, and it's great news for our customers and our people," said Alan Joyce, group chief executive, Qantas. "The 787 and the GE engines fitted to them, are thoroughly proven and extremely capable."
Boeing claims that the 787 will enable Qantas to meet its near- and long-term sustainability goals, reducing fuel use and emissions by up to 25% and featuring quieter engines compared to previous generation jets. The airplanes are also capable of flying on a blend of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), an important pathway to reducing emissions.
"With its market-leading environmental performance, the 787 Dreamliner is central to Qantas' unwavering commitment to operate one of the most sustainable and capable fleets in the airline industry," said Stan Deal, president and chief executive, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "Both the 787-9 and 787-10 offer enhanced efficiency, flexibility and passenger comfort to connect Australia and destinations around the world."
According to Boeing the 787s are capable of flying an expansive international route network. Besides 787 family will enable Qantas to open new routes and add more flights to its existing network.