Qantas Retires 747s, Replaces with Dreamliners
Qantas has ordered six additional 787-9 Dreamliners and plans to retire the last of its six 747-400s within the next two years. By the end of 2020, the airline will have a total of 14 Dreamliners, offering an improved cabin experience for all its customers.
2020 will mark the end of an era for Qantas, as the Boeing 747 has been part of the Qantas fleet in various forms since 1971. However, it will also mark the start of a new era, as Qantas continues its mission to offer the most up-to-date experience for passengers. The Qantas Dreamliner carries fewer passengers than the larger 747 (236 seats vs 364) and has a greater focus on Business and Premium Economy seating.
Qantas Group CEO Alan Joyce said:
“The jumbo has been the backbone of Qantas International for more than 40 years and we’ve flown almost every type that Boeing built. It’s fitting that its retirement is going to coincide with our centenary in 2020,” Mr Joyce said.
“Over the years, each new version of the 747 allowed Qantas to fly further and improve what we offered passengers. The Dreamliners are now doing the same thing.
“The 787 has better economics and a longer range, and its already opened up new routes like Perth to London. With a larger fleet of Dreamliners, we’ll be looking at destinations in the Americas, Asia, South Africa and Europe.
“By the end of 2020 we’ll have farewelled the 747, finished upgrading the cabins of our A380s, and welcomed our fourteenth 787. That’s a great proposition for our customers and creates some really exciting opportunities for our people,” added Mr Joyce.
To date, Qantas has taken delivery of four 787-9s with a further four due to arrive by the end of 2018. The six announced this week will be delivered between late 2019 and mid-to-late 2020.
There are currently ten 747-400s left in the fleet and these will be steadily retired between July this year and the end of 2020. The youngest 747 in the fleet arrived in 2003 and will be 17 years old at the time of retirement.