Qantas buys eight new Dreamliners

Qantas is taking its newly recorded cash and ordering eight new Boeing 787-9 aircraft.

Following the announcement of a $3.3 billion turnaround this morning, the aircraft are to be delivered from calendar year 2017 and gradually replace five older Boeing 747s, something ceo Alan Joyce says will symbolise the airline’s new era of opportunity.

“New aircraft types have always unlocked opportunities for Qantas,” Joyce said.

“When our red tail Dreamliners start arriving in two years’ time, their incredible range and fuel-efficiency will create new possibilities for our network.”

“For customers, the Qantas Dreamliner’s improved cabin pressure, larger windows and technology to reduce turbulence will deliver the world’s best travel experience.”

“History tells us that major aircraft investments are often watershed moments in defining what we can achieve. Qantas is rapidly growing fitter, stronger, and smarter. These aircraft are a fitting emblem of that evolution.”

Four B787-9s will arrive in financial year 2018 and four will arrive in financial year 2019. This will leave the Qantas Group with its six youngest reconfigured B747s.

But the airline wasn’t about to make an impulse purchase at the check-out, rather meeting a number of strict conditions before investing in a new long haul fleet.

These stipulations included:

A return to strong profitability for Qantas International in financial year 2015, with the business reporting underlying Earnings Before Interest and Tax of $267 million and Return On Invested Capital above its cost of capital.
Net debt reduction of $1.1 billion since financial year 2013.
A competitive business case, including a new agreement with Qantas’ long-haul pilots. This agreement incorporates a 30 per cent productivity increase.

Qantas will retain 15 further options and 30 purchase rights for additional B787s, with significant flexibility over the timing of delivery should they be exercised.

Qantas will work with its team of internal experts and external designers to develop world leading cabin interiors for the new Dreamliner. This will add to the aircraft’s unique features, including improved cabin pressure, larger windows and technology to reduce turbulence.

“This milestone acquisition marks the scale of our turnaround and looks ahead to a new era for our iconic international airline,” Joyce added.

“We’re halfway through the biggest and fastest transformation in our history. Qantas is rapidly growing fitter, stronger, and smarter. These aircraft are a fitting emblem of that evolution – they show that we are revitalised and here for the long haul.”

“We have looked closely at every aspect of the Dreamliner and it’s the right aircraft for Qantas’ future.

“The key reason we chose this particular aircraft is its incredible efficiency. Its new technology will reduce fuel burn, cut heavy maintenance requirements and open up new destinations around the globe.

“Because the 787 is smaller than the jumbos it will gradually replace, it gives us the flexibility of having more aircraft without significantly changing our overall capacity.

“Every Qantas aircraft is a symbol of Australia and these aircraft will represent Australian excellence and ambition on a global scale.”

The acquisition of B787s for Qantas International is contained within Qantas’ existing capital expenditure guidance.

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