Qantas announced recently that it would acquire up to 188 narrowbody aircraft to support the further growth of its two brands, Qantas and Jetstar, in Australia and Asia. Budget carrier Jetstar is set to open new regional aviation bases in both Darwin and Perth over the next two years to serve fast growing Asian markets.
Qantas Chief Executive Mr Geoff Dixon said the aircraft would be principally B737-800s, which were Qantas’ main narrowbody aircraft, and A320s, which were the core aircraft in Jetstar’s short haul fleet.
The first aircraft scheduled for delivery in February 2008 will be an A321 with at least 17 of these aircraft over a six year period.
In total Qantas will take delivery of 68 A320/A321 aircraft, plus 40 options and purchase rights; and 31 B737-800 aircraft and 49 options and purchase rights.
The order comes as Qantas is preparing to receive its first A380 in August 2008, while Jetstar will subsequently receive its first B787 Dreamliner as a key driver of the expansion of its low cost international services.