Baxter, you are correct about "since adam was boy", Qlink have had a narrowbody jet clause in the EBA since the days of Pontius.
You are also correct about deferments - however, has there been any recent developments in the Qantas group that have made sense? QF did put in an order for 110 A320's, where are they all going to go?
from the
press release [my
bold]:
The Group has committed to order up to 110 A320s (106 confirmed from Airbus and four additional aircraft, either purchased or leased, subject to availability). These aircraft will facilitate capacity growth across Jetstar’s domestic and international operations, the launch of Jetstar Japan and the establishment of Qantas’ new premium Asia-focused airline - while the purchase rights and options provide the Group with significant flexibility to pursue further growth opportunities on favourable commercial terms.
Can they defer or are they committed to delivery without a large penalty now that the Asian premium carrier has been extinguished? Where would they send them? One obvious answer would be on routes currently served by B737's, as Jetstar did.
Just for the record, I in no way benefit from Qlink getting A320's, just the opposite.