Qantas has announced that domestically, it will start the renewal of its narrow body jets as part of “Project Winton” with firm orders for 20 Airbus A321XLRs and 20 A220-300s as its Boeing 737s and 717s are gradually retired. Qantas’ A321XLR is 16 feet longer than the outgoing 737s and will be configured to seat 200 people (20 business, 180 economy)—a 15 percent increase with no reduction in space between seats. It can fly approximately 1,864 miles further than the 737 and opens up a wider range of direct domestic and short haul international routes (e.g. South East Asia, Pacific Islands).
The A220-300 is larger overall than the outgoing 717s and will be configured to seat 137 people (10 in Business, 127 in Economy)—a 25 percent increase with no reduction in space between seats. It has almost double the range at over 3,700 miles, meaning it can fly between any city in Australia. The first of these aircraft will begin to arrive in late 2023, with the order including purchase right options for another 94 aircraft for delivery through to at least 2034. The noise levels of both aircraft are up to 50 percent lower than the retiring aircraft. On a per-seat basis, the A220-300 burns 28 percent less fuel per passenger than the 717. The A321XLR burns 17 percent less fuel per passenger compared with the 737.
Internationally, 12 Airbus A350-1000s will be ordered to operate nonstop “Project Sunrise” flights from Australia to other cities including New York and London. These aircraft are likely to be launched by the end of 2025 from Sydney. The Qantas A350-1000 will have the range for direct flights between Australia and any city in the world. The aircraft can carry 238 passengers across four classes (First, Business, Premium Economy, Economy), with more than 40 percent of the cabin dedicated to premium seating.
All of these next generation aircraft—through their lower emissions, longer range, less noise and better economics—will improve how people travel around Australia and overseas.
Customers can expect more direct routes and therefore less total travel time. They can also expect higher levels of cabin comfort. On domestic and regional routes, they can expect more choice of flights at different times of day due to different size aircraft for peak and off-peak times.
Alan Joyce, CEO of Qantas Group, said, “These newer aircraft and engines will reduce emissions by at least 15 percent if running on fossil fuels, and significantly better when run on Sustainable Aviation Fuel. This order brings us closer to our commitment to reach net zero emissions by 2050. ‘Project Sunrise’ will be carbon neutral from day one.”
For more information, visit www.qantas.com.
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