Airlines

Airbus Sees Australia, Pacific Nations Buying 920 Jets in Next 20 Years

Airlines based in the Pacific region will take delivery of 920 new aircraft over the next 20 years, generated by an average growth in passenger traffic in the region of 3.2% per annum, according to the latest Airbus Global Market Forecast.

The forecast for new aircraft includes around 750 single-aisle aircraft like the A220 and A320 Families and around 170 widebodies like the A330neo and A350. Around 55% of this demand will be for growth and 45% will be to replace aircraft currently in service. The forecast was presented by Stephen Forshaw, Airbus Chief Representative for Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific, on the eve of the Avalon Airshow taking place between 28 February and 5 March 2023, in Melbourne.

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“A priority for airlines in this region is ensuring that the air transport sector can grow in a sustainable way. This has become an increasingly important factor when airlines make fleet decisions and Airbus is well-placed with the modern and comprehensive product line available today, offering a reduction in fuel consumption and emissions of up to 25%.”

In the Pacific region Airbus has entered into significant partnerships over the past year to advance its ambitions. These include a joint fund with Qantas to encourage industry to develop the necessary ecosystem in Australia and a project with Air New Zealand to study applications for hydrogen-powered aircraft on its domestic network.

Airbus is also involved in studies with Australia’s Fortescue Future Industries (FFI) and most recently announced its participation in a new hydrogen consortium in New Zealand alongside Christchurch Airport, Air New Zealand, FFI and several start-ups.

The Pacific region is a key market, with 170 Airbus aircraft currently in service with airlines in Australia, Fiji, New Caledonia, New Zealand, and the Solomon Islands. Another 166 aircraft are currently on order for future delivery to Pacific carriers. This represents 75% of the total backlog of orders from airlines in the region for all manufacturers.

Globally Airbus forecasts demand for 39,490 new aircraft over the next 20 years, including 17,620 in the wider Asia-Pacific region.

Airlines

Federal Court Imposes $100M Fine on Qantas for “Ghost Flights” Scandal

In a major ruling, the Federal Court has confirmed a hefty A$100 million penalty against Qantas for its involvement in the “ghost flights” scandal. As reported by FlightGlobal.

The court found that Qantas misled consumers by offering and selling tickets for flights that the airline had already decided to cancel. Adding to the controversy, Qantas failed to promptly notify ticket holders about these cancellations.

The penalty follows Qantas’ admission of violating the Australian Consumer Law (ACL). The airline agreed with the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) on the penalty amount, aiming to deter Qantas and other businesses from similar breaches in the future.

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The ACCC emphasized that this substantial fine sends a clear message: misleading customers will lead to serious consequences, regardless of a company’s size. In addition to the penalty, Qantas has committed to paying approximately A$20 million to affected passengers who unknowingly purchased tickets for canceled flights.

This compensation comes on top of any refunds or alternative flight arrangements already provided. ACCC Chair Gina Cass-Gottlieb praised the penalty, underscoring the importance of robust compliance programs red energy qantas in large corporations like Qantas.

She pointed out that Qantas has since made changes to its operating and scheduling procedures to prevent similar issues in the future.