Qantas Airways Ltd
(ASX:QAN) has announced it will receive the first of its 50 planned Boeing 787 Dreamliners in mid 2012, two years earlier than first anticipated following an agreement reached with Boeing.
Qantas says the first aircraft will be used by Jetstar for its international operations on medium density routes, allowing Jetstar to move into southern Europe as well as build on its Asian market.
The airline says the first 15 B787’s will be given to Jetstar for its low fair international operations to accommodate 315 passengers in two classes, that include its international business class, StarClass.
CEO Alan Joyce says the phased delivery of 50 Boeing 787’s will deliver lower operating and maintenance costs, greater fuel efficiency and improved environmental performance to both Jetstar and Qantas.
Qantas reported a profit of $117 million for the year ending 30 June 2009.
