Qantas has announced that it will retire its ‘much loved’ A380s from 2028, as part of its annual results.
An investor update by QF head of international and freight Cam Wallace says supply chain challenges from the out-of-production A380 fleet increase operational risks and maintenance costs. The airline says it now has confidence around the delivery schedule of its future fleet.
The A380 was critical to its post C-19 recovery and demand capture from Middle East conflict but with an opportunity to further optimise fleet, A380 retirement maximises capital and cashflow efficiency, it says.
QF has 10 A380s in service and Wallace says providing transparency as early as possible enables staff to plan their career pathways as it changes the fleet. In a case study of the Sydney-Dallas Fort Worth route the higher premium cabin mix and improved economy yields of an A350-1000 allows a 12% margin increase on an A380.
QF ceo Vanessa Hudson says there is no firm timetable for the last flight of the A380s that were ‘much loved’ by the airline and passengers because it wants to retain some flexibility.
. . . New Planes
In Wallace’s briefing, key aircraft for the ‘home’ international market of the Tasman and Pacific are listed A321XLRs and A220s (now used on Wellington-Brisbane) which are entering the QF fleet at increasing speed during the next year. Older aircraft used on the Tasman, the 737 and A330, will leave the QF fleet around the mid-2030s.
QF got 17 new aircraft during the past year and will take delivery of up to 31 planes this year, including its first Project Sunrise A350.
Hudson says demand for long-haul routes and premium cabins continues to grow, as does confidence in Project Sunrise non-stop flights ex SYD to London from late next year and later ex SYD to New York.
Alongside the 12 Project Sunrise aircraft, QF has firm orders for 12 more A350s and 12 787s. QF today also revealed details of its A321XLR lie flat business suite (pictured).
. . . Profit Drop
QF’s FY26 pre-tax profit fell AUD330m to AUD2.06 billion. Its statutory profit after tax was AUD1.29b. The airline says the war in the Middle East, which resulted in higher fuel prices, added AUD420 million.
. . . Looking Ahead
In its outlook, QF says travel demand remains resilient as customers continue to prioritise travel. International demand across QF and Jetstar remains strong, supported by customers redirecting travel away from the Middle East.
