Qantas orders six new Boeing 787-9 aircraft

Australian airline Qantas has placed a $2bn order to buy six additional Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft.

Once delivered, the new aircraft will replace Qantas’ last set of six Boeing 747-400 jumbo jets.

The aircraft will be deployed to serve Qantas’ international route.

Deliveries of the aircraft are scheduled to take place between late 2019 and mid-to-late 2020, bringing the airline’s total fleet of Dreamliners to 14.

In 2015, Qantas placed its first order for eight Dreamliners and announced its intention to retire five of its oldest 11 jumbo jets, reported mh.com.au.

Qantas Group CEO Alan Joyce said: “This really is the end of one era and the start of another.

“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.”

Interiors of the additional Dreamliners will have the same configuration as the existing aircraft, with more focus on business and premium economy seating.

Joyce further added: “The 787 has better economics and a longer range, and it’s 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.”

So far, Qantas has received four 787-9 aircraft and expects to take delivery of four additional 787-9 planes by the end of this year.

The airline is currently operating ten 747-400 aircraft, which are set to be gradually retired between July this year and the end of 2020.