Aerospace
Qantas will place the largest order in its 102-year history, aiming for 150 Airbus planes worth $34 billion.
- Qantas Project Sunrise has been approved, with an order for 12 x Airbus A350s capable of flying direct from Australia to any other city, including New York and London, beginning in late 2025 from Sydney.
- Domestic fleet renewal will begin in late 2023, with an order for 40 x A321XLRs and A220 aircraft; 94 purchase order rights will be spread out over at least a decade.
- Significant reductions in emissions, operating costs, and passenger comfort when compared to retiring aircraft.
- There will be no change to the capital guidance for FY23; order structure will be consistent with the Group Financial Framework.
The Qantas Group announced today a number of significant fleet decisions that will reshape its international and domestic networks over the next decade and beyond.
These decisions will also improve journeys for millions of people each year, as well as create over 1,000 jobs and numerous career advancement opportunities at the national carrier.
Domestically, as part of ‘Project Winton,’ Qantas will begin the renewal of its narrow body jets with firm orders for 20 Airbus A321XLRs and 20 A220-300s as its Boeing 737s and 717s are gradually retired. The first of these aircraft will begin to arrive in late calendar 2023, with the order including purchase right options for an additional 94 aircraft to be delivered until at least 2034.
On a global scale, 12 Airbus A350-1000s will be ordered to operate nonstop ‘Project Sunrise’ flights from Australia to cities such as New York and London. These aircraft will provide market-leading passenger comfort in each travel class, with services set to begin from Sydney by the end of calendar 2025.
All of these next-generation aircraft, with lower emissions, longer range, less noise, and better economics, will improve people’s travel around Australia and around the world.
Customers can anticipate more direct routes and, as a result, less total travel time. They can anticipate increased cabin comfort. Furthermore, due to different aircraft sizes for peak and off-peak times, they can expect more flight options at different times of day, particularly on domestic and regional routes.
IN REGARD TO THE ORDER
- Orders have been placed for 12 Airbus A350-1000s for Project Sunrise. Deliveries will begin in 2025 and will be completed by 2028.
- Firm orders have been placed for 20 A321XLR and 20 A220-300 aircraft for Project Winton, which will begin the renewal of Qantas’ narrow body fleet as its 95 Boeing 737 and Boeing 717 aircraft retire. A220 deliveries will begin in late calendar 2023, with A321XLR deliveries beginning a year later in late calendar 2024.
- A further 94 purchase right options are available across the A320 and A220 families, with significant flexibility in delivery timing (over a 10-year period) and aircraft type.
- Combines with Jetstar’s existing order of 109 A320s (plus purchase rights) to form a single Qantas Group narrow body order for 299 aircraft (half of which are firm orders).
- Combines with Jetstar’s existing order of 109 A320s (plus purchase rights) to form a single Qantas Group narrow body order of 299 aircraft (half of which are firm orders and half are purchase right options), with the option to reduce that order by selecting any variant from the A320 and A220 families.
- Jetstar confirmed today that it will convert 20 of its existing A320 family orders to A321XLRs, which have the potential to fly short-haul international routes, with deliveries beginning in the second half of calendar 2024. (The first tranche of this existing order – 18 A321LRs – is scheduled to arrive in July 2022.)
Aerospace
EASA Ends Suspension on PIA, Approves Flights to Europe
The suspension of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) from operating in Europe is finally over, marking a significant turning point for Pakistan’s aviation sector.
After years of scrutiny and stringent safety assessments, the European Commission and the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) have officially lifted the ban on PIA. This decision also grants Airblue authorization to operate flights to Europe, further enhancing Pakistan’s connectivity with the region.
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PIA’s suspension, initially imposed in June 2020, was a direct consequence of concerns regarding the oversight capabilities of Pakistan’s Civil Aviation Authority (PCAA). These concerns were triggered shortly after a tragic PIA plane crash that claimed 97 lives, prompting an investigation into the validity of pilot licenses issued in the country.
Now, after four years of continuous efforts and reforms by the PCAA, EASA has expressed renewed confidence in Pakistan’s aviation regulatory framework. In a statement, EASA highlighted that Pakistan has successfully addressed safety compliance issues, enabling PIA to resume its operations within the European Union.
A spokesperson for PIA expressed optimism, emphasizing the airline’s commitment to strictly adhere to EASA’s regulations and guidelines. “This milestone has been achieved after four years of relentless efforts by the PIA management,” the spokesperson said.
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The lifting of the ban is expected to have a profound impact on PIA’s future. The airline, which employs over 7,000 people, has faced criticism in the past for poor management, financial instability, and regulatory challenges.
However, the restoration of European operations is seen as a vital step toward regaining its competitive edge, improving its financial standing, and restoring its reputation on the global stage.
Pakistan’s government, which has been exploring options to privatize the debt-laden national carrier, is hopeful that this development will attract foreign investment and bolster the country’s aviation industry.
With a renewed focus on compliance and safety, PIA is now poised to rebuild its presence in Europe, offering Pakistani travelers and international passengers more connectivity and improved service.
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