19-Aug-2005 11:53 AM
Qantas fleet RFP and Virgin profit downgrade
Analysis
SYDNEY (Centre for Asia Pacific Aviation) - Qantas issued (18-Aug-05) an Request for Proposals (RFP) for new widebody aircraft to replace the Group's fleet of B767-300s.
The RFP will cover a "mix of firm orders and options for B787s and A350s" for use on medium-haul international, trans-Tasman and Australian domestic routes; and ultra-long range variants of the B777 and A340 to operate "hub-busting" routes.
Meanwhile, Virgin Blue Airlines issued (18-Aug-05) its fourth profit downgrade in the past 12 months, forecasting profit after tax for the 12 months ending 30-Sep-05 "in the range" of AUD90-100 million. The carrier stated a AUD150 million year-on-year increase in fuel costs would make it impossible to reach last year's AUD159 million net profit.
Strategic news daily to your inbox from the Centre's Asia Pacific Airline Daily