Airbus the preferred supplier for Qantas

QANTAS has named Airbus as its preferred supplier for Project Sunrise flights but won’t place an order until a final decision is made on the ultra-long-range services in March.

Qantas Group CEO Alan Joyce had planned to rule on the business case by the end of this year but ongoing negotiations with pilots have convinced him to push back the final decision.

The choice of the Airbus A350-1000 over the Boeing 777X followed an offer by the European manufacturer to extend the deadline from February to confirm delivery slots.

Mr Joyce said the A350 was a “fantastic aircraft” and all going to plan, Qantas would order 12 of the aeroplanes.

“The deal on the table with Airbus gives us the best possible combination of commercial terms, fuel efficiency, operating cost and commercial experience,” Mr Joyce said.

“The aircraft and (RollsRoyce Trent XWB) engine combination is next generation technology but it’s thoroughly proven after more than two years in service. This is the right choice for the Sunrise missions and it also has the right economics to do other long-haul routes if we want to.”

He acknowledged that the only hurdle Qantas had yet to clear before launching nonstop flights from Australia’s east coast to cities like New York and London was “efficiency gains associated with our pilots”.

“We’re offering promotions and an increase in pay but we’re asking for some flexibility in return which will help lower our operating costs,” said Mr Joyce.

“Airbus has given us an extra month to lock in an aircraft order without impacting our planned start date.”