Fleet upgrade fast-tracked as airline forecasts record result.
Qantas has ordered a further six Boeing 787-9 aircraft to be delivered from early 2020, increasing its Dreamliner fleet to 14 and allowing it to fast-track the retirement of its last six Boeing 747s.
The move was revealed this morning in a trading update in which the carrier announced its third quarter results, with group revenue up 7.5% over the same period last year to reach $4.25 billion.
Domestic revenue was up 8% in the three months to 31 Mar, partly fuelled by increased travel around the early Easter period, while international revenue rose 5.2%, driven by stronger demand and higher load factors.
Qantas Group ceo Alan Joyce said the third quarter results showed the company’s ability to maintain growth despite a rise in fuel costs.
“Qantas is on track to deliver another record full year result even though we’re facing a $200 million increase in our total fuel bill in FY18,” Joyce said.
“Our strong performance allows us to invest in more Dreamliners, which are a lot more efficient than the 747s they replace and give our customers a better experience,” he said. “They also open up new network options and will be an important part of our success moving forward.”
Qantas is expecting a full year record underlying profit before tax of between $1.55 billion and $1.6 billion.
See more in today’s Travel Daily.