Qantas, Australia’s largest airline, has opted for Airbus aircraft to refurbish its fleet, with orders for at least 60 aircraft, including 20 A220s.
The manufacturer was thus limited to its greatest rival Boeing, which also sought the deal. Since it is a carrier established outside the United States, the A220-300 must in principle be assembled by Airbus Canada in Mirabell, Laurence.
Qantas also hopes to buy 40 A321XLRs. The company said the contract could be finalized by the end of the 2022 financial year. The order size can reach up to 134 aircraft as the company has purchase options.
“The agreement with Airbus offers the advantage of providing flexibility, which means we can continue to select all A320neo and A220 families to meet our needs in the years to come,” said Alan Joyce, Head of Qantas Management.
Airbus aircraft will replace the Boeing 737-800 and Boeing 717, which will be withdrawn from the Australian carrier fleet.
Following the initial shock caused by the epidemic, the A220 has filled its order book in recent months. The aircraft received a strong order from the Nigerian company Ibom Air for 10 A220-300s.
The Air Lease Corporation signed the letter with the intention of adding another 25 aircraft to its fleet.
Airbus is under control, the program is still in deficit, and is owned by the Quebec government (25%). Airbus is gradually increasing the A220 production rate. The aircraft manufacturer aims to mobilize 14 per month for a total of 168 annual deliveries to Mirabell and Alabama by 2025.
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