New aircraft types will transform Australian airline fleets: part one – narrowbody arrivals

The evolution of Australia's commercial fleet is accelerating in the post-COVID-19 era, as airlines look to rebuild with new aircraft types to take advantage of emerging opportunities.

Australian airlines were forced to revise their strategies dramatically due to the COVID-19 crisis - in some cases overhauling existing order agreements, and in others making new purchase deals.

Many of the fleet plans put in place during the pandemic are starting to become reality, with deliveries ramping up or set to begin soon. Airlines are replacing veteran models with aircraft that will broaden their network prospects, as well as modernising their fleets.

Part one of this analysis will focus on narrowbody activity: Boeing 737 MAX aircraft have entered service with two Australian airlines this year - Virgin Australia and Bonza; Rex is continuing to build its 737 fleet, Qantas is preparing to receive the first of its Airbus A220s; and Jetstar has been ramping up its fleet of longer-range A321neo variants.