Qantas Weighs Order for 20 Boeing or Airbus Wide-Body Jets, Sources Say

Why It Matters

The decision could shift the Airbus‑Boeing balance in the Asia‑Pacific and determine Qantas' capacity to launch ultra‑long‑haul non‑stop services, reshaping competitive dynamics in the region’s premium market.

Key Takeaways

• Qantas evaluating 20 additional wide‑body jets from Airbus or Boeing.
• Existing orders include 12 Boeing 787s and 24 Airbus A350‑1000s.
• Options split evenly between Airbus and Boeing could be exercised now.
• Project Sunrise ULR deliveries pushed to April 2027 due to supply issues.
• Decision may affect Asia‑Pacific competition and airline fleet strategies.

Pulse Analysis

Qantas’ fleet renewal is one of the most ambitious in the southern hemisphere, targeting 200 new aircraft to replace aging models and support growth on long‑haul routes. With a current fleet of about 128 jets, the airline has already committed to 12 Boeing 787 Dreamliners and 24 Airbus A350‑1000s, the latter featuring an ultra‑long‑range (ULR) variant designed for non‑stop flights from Australia to Europe and the United States. The pending order for roughly 20 more wide‑body jets reflects a strategic push to secure capacity ahead of projected demand spikes and to hedge against supply‑chain volatility that has already delayed the first A350‑1000 ULR delivery to April 2027.

The potential order reignites the long‑standing Airbus‑Boeing rivalry that Qantas helped shape two decades ago when it chose the 787 over the original A350 design, prompting Airbus to accelerate its own development. By keeping options open with both manufacturers, Qantas can leverage pricing, delivery schedules, and performance characteristics to its advantage. The inclusion of additional 787s would deepen its reliance on Boeing’s fuel‑efficient platform, while more A350‑900s would diversify its fleet with Airbus’s slightly larger cabin and range capabilities. Either path influences each OEM’s market share in the lucrative wide‑body segment, especially as airlines worldwide expand fleets to address capacity shortages caused by post‑pandemic travel rebounds.

Regionally, the move has ripple effects across the Asia‑Pacific competitive landscape. Singapore Airlines has already signaled intent to acquire at least 50 large wide‑bodies, underscoring a broader push among premium carriers to dominate long‑haul corridors. Qantas’ decision will affect slot competition at key hubs such as Sydney and Melbourne, and could dictate the pace at which ultra‑long‑haul services like Project Sunrise become commercially viable. Moreover, a sizable order would signal confidence in demand for premium, point‑to‑point travel, encouraging suppliers and financiers to prioritize production capacity and financing structures tailored to the region’s growth trajectory.