Qantas originally had 8 787 delivery options slated for 19/20. They’ve so far relinquished one in a move timed to create a perception of angst in the pilot body and send a shot across the bows re Jetconnect, Network and SH EA but in reality is a bit of a nothing move as I’m not sure we had the capacity to train for that aeroplane anyway.
So there are still 7 options for 19/20 and it wouldn’t surprise me in the least if we also gave up option number two for that year so as to continue with the preferred ‘narrative of the day’ (fiscal responsibility, nasty pilots, whatever it has to be). Were that second option not taken up it may finally allow us to get on the front foot with training and be able to train for the remaining 6 without decimating the pilot numbers on the A330 and 737 and cancelling services.
So that pretty much ties in with Dragon man’s rumour about 6 in 19/20.