Just spotted on smh.com
http://www.smh.com.au/news/business/...766735648.html
Qantas has handed down the biggest aircraft order in aviation history, buying up to 188 narrow body aircraft for short haul flights.
The airline said the funding of the purchases won't affect its investment grade credit rating.
The new aircraft will be used to defend Qantas' minimum 65 per cent share of the Australian domestic market and to expand low cost services to South East Asia.
The plan also involves Jetstar opening new regional aviation bases in both Darwin and Perth over the next two years to serve fast growing Asian markets.
Most of the new aircraft will be Boeing 737-800s, and Airbus A320s.
The order also includes larger A321 aircraft, which will have up to 213 seats, compared with 177 on an A320 in a Jetstar single-class configuration.
The first aircraft to arrive in February will be an A321.
"We expect to take at least 17 of those aircraft to expand Jetstar's opportunities in its fastest growing markets," chief executive Geoff Dixon said.
Qantas will acquire 68 A320/A321 aircraft and has 40 options and purchase rights.
It will also buy 31 B737-800 aircraft, and has 49 options and purchase rights.
"The firm aircraft will be delivered over a six year period, while options secured additional delivery slots through to 2017," Qantas said.
Mr Dixon said: "This decision, together with existing A380 and B787 fleet commitments, secures an order stream for next generation aircraft that will allow the group to meet long term demand growth and replace older aircraft over the next decade.
"The plan provides maximum flexibility to respond to changes in the market and competitive situation.
"In an environment where our customers have more options than ever before, this investment will ensure that Qantas and Jetstar continue to provide customers with superior network reach, choice and product."
He said some of the Airbus aircraft would also be used to supply capacity to the group's Asian associates.
Qantas is preparing to receive its first superjumbo A380 aircraft in August 2008.
Jetstar will later launch the B787 Dreamliner to underpin the expansion of its low cost international services.
"We are confident that the orders we have placed provide the right aircraft, with the right product and right economics to ensure the continued success of Qantas and Jetstar both domestically and internationally," Mr Dixon said.
AAP