Qantas looking at more wide bodies - Reuters

[oz_mark]

Reuters are reporting Qantas are sniffing around for 20 more wide bodies

https://www.reuters.com/business/aerospace-defense/qantas-weighs-order-20-boeing-or-airbus-wide-body-jets-sources-say-2026-06-04/

 

[Saab34]

I’d be interested to see the economics with the A330Neo over the 787/350, however I’d imagine they want to be mindful around fleet complexity.

They will also need a new widebody fleet for JQ in around 10-12 years.

 

[TheInsider]

Something for 20 years down the track probably

 

[Mr_Tee]

I wouldn't be all that surprised if QF were sniffing around on behalf of JQ fleet needs as well as their own.

 

[SYD]

I mentioned it here also. I thought there was an existing thread on QF Fleet renewal but could find anything…(besides PS).

Post in thread 'Qantas A330-200 cabin refurbishments'
Qantas A330-200 cabin refurbishments

 

[Doctore1003]

It makes sense they're sniffing around since they have existing options they need to decide whether to exercise or not.

 

[leesionn]

My guess is they’ll add more of the A350-1000 to the order book to replace the A380s (slated for retirement beginning FY32), as the existing 787 and standard A35K orders are for the A330 fleet. And then I reckon they’ll add a few more 787s to complete the A330 replacement + maybe allow for growth

 

[moa999]

on behalf of JQ fleet needs as well as their own.

While everything is a Group order, and can be ultimately be sent elsewhere, think people have correctly identified these as mostly A380 replacements (and the 10 332s that are shortly to be refurbed)

Jetstar has committed to the refurbishment of its 11 788s, so arguably good for 10 years, unless they want to give JQ some more growth.

And JQ is going to get international growth via the 321XLRs which arrive from 2027.

 

[Ansett Nostalgic]

QF should refurbish their own A380s and buy extra which can be bought cheaply on the second hand market and refurbish those.

 

[MelbFlyer]

QF should refurbish their own A380s and buy extra which can be bought cheaply on the second hand market and refurbish those.

Fuel isn't going to get cheaper in the future and using an aging quad jet over a modern twin jet (ie A350-1000 and the likes) doesn't work economically - that is unless QF knows they can fill those A380s completely full and on a consistent, ongoing basis.

Not only that, there's also the equation of a ~15-20 year old plane vs newish ones.

 

[offshore171]

Reuters are reporting Qantas are sniffing around for 20 more wide bodies

Have they checked the Walmarts in Alabama?

 

[Ansett Nostalgic]

Have they checked the Walmarts in Alabama?

What about Centrelink in Mt Druitt or Lakemba?

 

[Scarlett]

Hmm, QF in the market for a top up order? History suggests a BA fire sale will be taken advantage of.

 

[markis10]

Qantas is expected to announce next week the purchase of some mid life C17s to replace their A380s, first class gets a window.

 

[justinbrett]

Qantas is expected to announce next week the purchase of some mid life C17s to replace their A380s, first class gets a window.

Good luck to them finding someone selling C17s. RAAF would like more.

 

[Spamam]

20 wide bodies won’t cover the loss of capacity from the retirement of the a380s and a330s.

 

[SYD]

20 wide bodies won’t cover the loss of capacity from the retirement of the a380s and a330s.

There’s already 12+12 A350s and 12 787 firm orders coming plus 11(?) A332s being refurbed (albeit quite late in starting).

This order might be a replacement for those refurbed A332s and the oldest 787s? So a ways off.

 

[burneracc]

Fuel isn't going to get cheaper in the future and using an aging quad jet over a modern twin jet (ie A350-1000 and the likes) doesn't work economically - that is unless QF knows they can fill those A380s completely full and on a consistent, ongoing basis.

Not only that, there's also the equation of a ~15-20 year old plane vs newish ones.

Totally agree but to add some nuance - some carriers continue to operate inefficient platforms (I’m thinking particularly about the Lufthansa 747s) purely because a totally paid off jet with no leasing payments still yields a higher gross profit than forking out for a newer fleet. Obviously this doesn’t hold true forever though.

One thing I am curious about though is what will happen on routes where the a380 IS consistently full. For syd-lhr, maybe their plan is to share that capacity from the a380 between a new widebody via Singapore and then project sunrise will make up the rest?