It has emerged that Qantas is holding discussions with Airbus and Boeing for approximately 20 next-generation wide-body passenger aircraft. The company is evaluating the Boeing 787 and Airbus A350 models.
Australia’s flag carrier Qantas is conducting a critical evaluation process between the world’s two largest manufacturers, Airbus and Boeing, for a new wide-body aircraft investment. According to industry sources, the company has started discussions with manufacturers for an order of around 20 next-generation long-haul passenger aircraft.
Sources stated that the Boeing 787 Dreamliner and the main variants of the Airbus A350 are under consideration, while the decision is regarded as highly significant for competition in the global wide-body aircraft market.
Qantas Evaluates Boeing and Airbus for New Order
Sources close to the aviation industry reported that Qantas is carrying out detailed fleet analyses for an additional Boeing 787 or Airbus A350 order.
While the discussions, which have not yet reached an official stage, are reportedly being conducted confidentially, Airbus and Boeing declined to comment on the matter.
A Qantas spokesperson stated that the company remains in constant contact with manufacturers as part of its fleet planning and said:
“As part of our ongoing fleet planning, we remain in regular contact with aircraft manufacturers. We currently have no new orders to announce.”
Competition Intensifies in the Wide-Body Aircraft Market
Despite geopolitical risks and global supply chain problems, airlines are accelerating investments in wide-body fleets due to rising passenger demand and aircraft supply shortages.
It drew attention that Qantas’ discussions came immediately after Singapore Airlines launched an evaluation process for at least 50 next-generation wide-body aircraft.
According to experts, the Boeing 787 and Airbus A350 families will continue to remain at the center of the long-haul flight market in the coming years.
Critical Process for Project Sunrise
Next-Generation Fleet for Ultra Long-Haul Flights
Qantas’ current orders include:
- 12 Boeing 787 aircraft
- 24 Airbus A350-1000 aircraft.
The most remarkable part of these orders consists of the ultra long-haul Airbus A350-1000ULR aircraft being developed under the “Project Sunrise” initiative.
With these aircraft, nonstop flights lasting approximately 22 hours are planned from Australia’s east coast to London and New York.
It is also stated that the company may use some of its existing purchase options during the new evaluation process.
Historic Rivalry Between Airbus and Boeing Back in Focus
Qantas has long been regarded as one of the most critical battlegrounds in the rivalry between Airbus and Boeing.
Approximately 20 years ago, Qantas’ decision to choose the Boeing 787 Dreamliner led Airbus to cancel its initial A350 design and launch the more advanced next-generation A350 program.
Today, the composite-bodied Boeing 787 and Airbus A350 models form the backbone of the global wide-body aircraft market.
However, it is noteworthy that Qantas still has not placed an official order for the standard version of the Airbus A350-900.
First A350-1000ULR Aircraft Completes Maiden Flight
It was announced that the first Airbus A350-1000ULR aircraft specially developed for Project Sunrise completed its maiden flight on Tuesday.
However, the program has reportedly been affected by supply chain problems, and the delivery has been delayed by approximately four months to April 2027.
It is stated that ongoing engine, parts, and production bottlenecks in the global aviation industry are directly affecting the fleet planning of many airlines.
