Originally Posted by
Chris2303
Ah, but specifically what airplanes, how many of each type and for what routes?
Qantas 'worst major airline' for fuel efficiency on trans-Pacific flights, study suggests - ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation)
Start there.
With respect to the domestic network it lacks a 767 twin aisle replacement. Qantas tried the 'liquid overhaul' approach of the 767. The 767 was a gift from the Australian taxpayer, prior to privatisation. The A330 is insufficient in numbers and neither designed nor configured for high frequency domestic operations.
Qantas ordered 14 788 for mainline operations
For reasons best known to little Napoleon, in another random walk, all of them (now 11) were instead given to JQ. Mr Buchanan believed that he needed a lower unit cost as the metrics on low fare Long haul were not working. Telling the board of the reality cost him his career. He was shortly thereafter sent on gardening leave. This is the reason why JQ International is not segmented yet Qantas is: JQ International was and remains a basket case.
So Qantas is left with a domestic 737 operation, where the first batch approaching 16 years old and no word of a replacement.
A 788 running between Sydney and Melbourne with dual aisle and say 260 passengers in Y and J class needs
nearly two airframes of the 737 and double the pilots (more cabin crew) in an already congested airspace, with limited tarmac and gate space, to carry the same passenger count. It requires more flight planning support, fuel, engineers and generates double the Air Navigation charges.
Add in the marketing bonanza and higher yielding J class options and Qantas had a real point of difference between itself and VAH.
Add in what Roger Montgomery was politely describing was that cheap fuel is not a given and Qantas fleet metrics only look fine while yields generate a sufficient operating cashflow surplus.
Heck even their Chief Pilot (probably from self interest as his KPI is likely linked to fuel savings) has pointed out that fuel price has risen 50% in the last year.
Finally, nearly every other airline sees higher fuel efficiency and fleet strategy as key determinants. Why doesn't the self professed world's smartest airline management?
Qantas need a new fleet.