Qantas receiving 68th 737-800NG this week, to continue fleet renewal process in coming years

Qantas stated (15-Oct-2013) it would this week add its 68th Boeing 737-800 to its 314 strong fleet. The carrier will take delivery of 123 new aircraft in just over four years, resulting in an average passenger aircraft age of 7.9 years, its lowest level since privatisation. Qantas Domestic CEO Lyell Strambi said the airline's fleet renewal plan is a strategic priority in the domestic market and fundamental to customer satisfaction. He said, "We know that a modern aircraft like the Boeing 737, with the latest in technology and design, is a major draw card for our customers....We also know that by simplifying our fleet and making better use of the increased flexibility and higher frequencies that an aircraft like the Boeing 737 provides, we can remain the airline of choice for domestic travellers." The latest 737-800 is configured with 12 business and 156 economy seats, with a 37" seat pitch and 22" width in business and 17" width and 30" pitch in economy. Qantas will take delivery of seven additional 737-800 aircraft for Qantas Domestic between now and the end of 2014. The delivery of the 737 aircraft will coincide with Qantas' plans to reconfigure the interior of 10 A330-300s and 20 A330-200s with a new flat seat in business class, refreshed economy cabin and a new IFE offering. The new interiors will feature on Qantas' Airbus A330 fleet from late 2014. The A330-300s will be operated by Qantas International primarily on its network between Australia and Asia, while the A330-200s will be operated by Qantas Domestic on routes between the east coast and Perth, enabling the retirement of the Group's Boeing 767s fleet. [more - original PR]