Qantas shrinks Dreamliner order
Caution over the growth prospects of Jetstar's international operations has prompted Qantas to ditch one firm order for a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, with domestic fleet expansion instead on the agenda.
The cancellation coincides with Qantas' announcement it will lease an additional five Boeing 717 aircraft and purchase three Bombardier Q400s for use on domestic routes, with delivery expected from the second half of 2013.
Chief executive Alan Joyce said the boost to the domestic fleet would give the airline "flexibility to pursue growth options in a range of short-haul markets."
"It is a sensible investment in a part of the Qantas Group that is delivering strong returns," he said.
However, he admitted the international outlook was cloudier, prompting the scaling down of its B787-8 order.
"While the plan is for Jetstar's long haul network to keep expanding, we are using the flexibility in our agreement with Boeing to cancel a firm order knowing that we can replace it with one of our 50 options for this aircraft down the track, and with a full view of what market conditions are like at the time," he said.
Joyce stressed that the remaining 14 B787-8s will be delivered to Jetstar as planned, with the first aircraft to arrive in mid-2013. The arrival of the Dreamliners will enable the gradual transfer of Airbus A330 aircraft from Jetstar to Qantas Domestic, and the retirement of Qantas' Boeing 767 fleet.
Meanwhile, despite the cancellation, chief executive Alan Joyce insisted the group remains "firmly committed" to the introduction of Dreamliners for both Qantas International and Jetstar, amid ongoing turmoil over the safety of the 787 aircraft.
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
787 airlines boeing dreamliner jetstar qantasLatest News
Roots & Heritage Tourism in 2024 with Italian Tourist Board’s Emanuele Attanasio: Travel Weekly TV
Don't blame us if you're yearning for a carb filled pasta lunch after watching this weeks episode!
Aeronology accepted into Virtuoso network as travel-tech company continues to thrive
Aeronology has announced a wide-reaching technology and services provider agreement with Virtuoso, the global network specialising in luxury and experiential travel. The Melbourne-based company provides travel agents with a modern “full service” point-of-sale travel booking platform and was named one of the Hot Top 25 Travel Start-Up’s 2023 by Phocuswire. Virtuoso advisers will have access […]
Qantas suspends flights to Shanghai due to low demand
Low demand prompts Qantas to drop its Sydney-Shanghai flights like a hot dumpling.
From Castle Hill to Paris, local wellness cosmetics brand makes good in world’s best hotels
Subtle Energies, a little-known Sydney wellness cosmetics brand with its home base in Castle Hill, is now on the shelves of iconic shopping centre, Le Bon Marché, in Paris. The home-grown, locally-made Australian brand, which offers a range of products in aromatherapy, skincare and wellness, was started more than three decades ago, in 1993, by […]
Ponant’s $2500 flight credit reward for polar expeditions booked by ANZ travellers
Ponant is launching an exclusive offer for Australian and New Zealand travellers, offering flight credits of up to $2500pp across 24 luxury polar expeditions in 2025/26. Aussies and Kiwis will benefit from Ponant’s flight credit offer, when used towards international airfare (conditions apply) when booking their polar expedition and flights. The offer is valid until […]
Portugal, Spain or Morocco? Here’s how to spend a European summer in 2024
Run with the bulls, eat a Portuguese tart or take in the raw beauty of North Africa. We've got it all in this feature!
Vietjet’s summer lucky draw event, plus business flights slashed in half
It's not even winter yet and Vietjet's already talking about summer, but who can blame them?
ERDI offers a path for hospitality leaders of the future, says hotel group CEO
Teaching the next gen in hospo how to serve drinks, take a restaurant order and hold a conversation - yep we're in!
Marketing costs double for tourism operators as Australia’s global footprint shrinks
Cost of living crisis? Forgeddaboutit! If you run a tourism business, your costs have doubled since Covid.
APT adds fourth ship to Travelmarvel fleet in Europe to meet demand
APT punches above its weight in European river cruising - let's see what its got when it comes to naming conventions.
Getting married? W Melbourne has three new packages perfect for the special day
The 'W' themed lights and settings are optional, we hope!
SKYE Suites gets behind Australian Fashion Week, partners with Shark Beauty
We were hoping to get a start at a fashion week event, but apparently our dress sense wasn't up to scratch...
Roadshow Vietnam focus on Ho Chi Minh City heads to Sydney and Melbourne
It's all happening tomorrow in Parramatta and we're sure you'll be able to find a good bahn mi somewhere.
NCL announces two new Aussie BDMs as cruising goes from strength to strength
Cruising may be getting stronger, but we want to know which new BDM is the strongest. We should arrange an arm wrestle.
Inspiring Vacations announces Josh Grocke to new partnerships role
We're sure the best partnerships come about over a long lunch, something Josh will certainly be looking forward to.
Dondra Ritzenthaler announced as Azamara’s new CEO
Dondra's got big news to celebrate, meanwhile we're celebrating a break in the rain today in Sydney.
TTC’s hosting a masterclass series for Aussie agents unlocking the secrets of its five brands
Become an agent of many hats with TTC's new masterclass series!
Dorsett Melbourne appoints new director of sales Maggie Wong
This top female team at the Dorsett Melbourne aims to take the hotel to new heights - even the lucky eighth floor.
Western Sydney Tourism unveils fresh board ahead of ’26 airport opening
'Connect-Stay-Experience', that's the Western Sydney's tourism taskforce's motto. We sort of prefer 'West Is Best'!
From Olympians to mindset coaches, Helloworld’s OMC conference wraps in style
Say hello to a good time and make sure you're at 2025's edition!
Bunnik Tours welcomes KJ Phillips as the new BDM for QLD
We apologise in advance for winding Karen up as our State of Origin sledging begins to ramp up.
Drifter to usher in new age of affordable hybrid accommodation in Christchurch
Sort of like a hostel, but far, far ritzier!
Icebergs restaurateur Terzini joins Mangan at Sydney International Airport
Forget McDonald's or the sushi that's been there all day, dining at Sydney Airport just got a whole let better!
Sabi Sabi Earth Lodge: A beacon of luxury in the Kruger
If the lead image wasn't enough to convince you this is next-level luxury, take a peep inside.
Delegates ready for Africa’s travel showcase Travel Indaba at Durban ICC
How's it? We've requested a bag full of biltong on our reporter's return from this shindig.
APT’s world-first hydraulic-powered restaurant and bar ‘will be the envy of river cruises’
It may have been laughed off at first mention in the APT offices, but now it's here, APT are on top of the game!
Administrators appointed in wake of Air Vanuatu collapse – but there is hope
Another one bites the dust. We hope you sang to the tune when reading that!
South Australian beach crowned best ‘hidden gem’ in the country
Stoked baby! Or was that a typo?
Avalon Airport champions low-cost rail connection from Melbourne CBD
Avalon rail connection? Bring it on! In two years, say officials, but we say they've got Buckley's.
2024 Green Revolution Summit brings travel heavyweights into green fuel discussion
It's almost like the organisers read our article on sustainable fuel this week.
Wendy Wu Tours first China mega-famil for 100 travel agents will be full of Wow!
China travel guru Wendy Wu should have no trouble ordering 100 dumplings for key travel agents on her mega famil.
Oaks Hotels & Resorts gets behind Netball’s Suncorp Super League
So Netball Australia draws its moral line somewhere between Gina Rinehart and Oaks Hotels & Resorts.
Tourism Australia appoints new regional general manager United Kingdom
Expat Aussie Andrew Boxall steps off a Flight Centre gig to plant the flag as UK Tourism Australia GM.
Chef Alessandro Pavoni unveils Cibaria at Manly Pacific MGallery Collection
Only problem is you'll get stuck on the Spit Bridge on the way back, after you finish your meal.
Hotel Review: Atlantis The Royal – Stunning in every sense
You can look but you can't touch. At least that's what it feels like when reading an article on this masterpiece.
Flight Centre’s Big Red Sale starts today
Flight Centre taking inspiration from Qantas' Red tail sale yesterday, someone's gotta change for the next round.