Originally Posted by
PlasticFantastic
He's confirmed that QF will order its ULH aircraft this year, and that they will use the non-ULH version of the same aircraft family for thicker, shorter routes.
He's also confirmed that they'll make a decision on narrowbody replacement next year.
They also have B787 options that can be used to replace the A330s for Asia flying, if required, depending on whether some of that flying goes to B797s or A359/Ks.
In other words, there is a timeframe to begin replacing almost the entire fleet (barring QFLink). We can continue chipping management for not having replaced the fleet sooner, if we like, but surely the more interesting and relevant discussion is what decisions they should make over the next 18 months.
Plastic, you're right - to an extent. The question is, how much is this going to cost?? Goyder and the next CEO are copping the biggest hospital pass in QF's history.
Let's say it's a fuel-efficient twin, massive fuel savings (until frequency is increased but ignore that for a second) but also: cap raises on market, interest, depreciation - all of which hasn't been happening for years until the handful of 787s turned up.