Airbus announced that Qantas has selected Airbus A320 aircraft for its new premium airline to service routes to/from Australia and the Asian region. In addition, Jetstar Airways – a subsidiary of Qantas – has selected the Airbus A320 to continue its growth in Australia and Asia. The commitment to order consists of 110 A320 Family aircraft including 78 A320neo.
“We are delighted to be investing in Airbus’ fuel efficient A320 Family, including the new A320neo as part of Qantas’ international transformation plan and Jetstar’s pan-Asian expansion.” said Alan Joyce, Qantas CEO. “The A320 Family’s outstanding operational efficiency and comfort, paired with its environmental credentials, make it the right choice for Qantas.”
The A320neo is a new engine option for the A320 Family to enter service in 2015. It incorporates latest generation engines and large “Sharklet” wing tip devices, which together will deliver 15 percent in fuel and CO2 emission savings. The A320neo has over 95 percent airframe commonality with the existing A320 models while offering up to 500 nautical miles (950 kilometres) more range or two tonnes more payload. It is offered with engines from CFM International’s LEAP-X or Pratt & Whitney’s PurePower PW1100G. Qantas will make its engine decision at a later date.
Airbus has received more than 1200 A320neo orders and commitments since its launch just nine months ago, in December 2010.
In parallel with this new order, Qantas has decided to adapt deliveries of the last six of its twenty A380s to the airline’s new business plan. This affects deliveries after 2013. At present, Qantas’ A380 fleet stands at ten, making the carrier the third largest A380 operator worldwide.
Source: Airbus