Hear, hear.
Long time lurker, first time poster.
I'm going to be controversial and say that I don't think there is a case for 'urgent' fleet renewal at QF, over and above what they're already doing. Certainly, they need to replace the B747s in the near to medium term - and that will happen by 2020.
But, why replace the rest of the fleet any time soon? Starting from the bottom up:
- the Q300s and Q400s are doing fine service, as are the B717s - yes, they are old, and they will need to be replaced eventually, but they are reliable, fill a niche well, and are highly profitable from all reports.
- the B737s - the oldest is coming up on 16 years old and many are owned by QF; aircraft in Australia are depreciated over 20 years, so QF would be lighting money on fire to get rid of them early (unless they can secure good rates for 16yo B737NGs on the secondary market...). More importantly, they remain reliable and highly profitable. There is no burning need for more ASK domestically or trans-Tasman. VA is moving to B737MAXs, but from all reports that will stretch their balance sheet - in other words, the capital cost of MAXs is high. So, not a clear case to start replacing the NGs... Yet. By waiting, QF keeps its options open to move to a fleet that includes the NMA. And, if fuel prices skyrocket, the group has a stack of neo orders...
- A330 - Pretty similar arguments to the B737s. Just refurbished, and competitive in all markets they serve. The east-west flying is a useful hedge if VA bring in flat beds with their MAX10s. B787s will replace some of the international flying in the medium term, and the NMA has the potential to pick up east-west, triangle, Tasman and thin regional routes.
- B747 - On the way out. (Sadly, but all good things must end.)
- A380 - Only halfway through their life, and highly competitive against both B77W and B777X/A35K... If they can be filled. See Leeham's for the CASK/RASK analysis. QF's challenge will be to keep them full even as it moves away from a hub-to-hub model. Perhaps some early retirements once the B777X/A350ULRs arrive.
TLDR - QF will need to up its fleet replacement in the 2020s, but there's not a clear case to begin replacing any particular fleet sooner (other than the B747s).