In a Multi-Billion Dollar Investment, Qantas Charts the Future of Air Travel, Pioneering Carbon-Neutral Skies with 12 Additional 787 Widebody Jets.
In a groundbreaking move set to redefine the contours of global aviation, Qantas Group today signed a multi-billion-dollar deal to nearly double its fleet of Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft. The announcement constitutes an electrifying paradigm shift in the airline industry’s pursuit of eco-conscious air travel, catapulting Qantas to the forefront of the sustainability revolution. The audacious strategy cements Qantas’ position as a global frontrunner committed to pioneering carbon-neutral skies.
Alan Joyce, the high-profile CEO of Qantas Group, could scarcely contain his enthusiasm. “This isn’t just an investment in metal birds; it’s a definitive statement about our future and our planet. The 787 Dreamliner and its GE engines embody a pinnacle of innovation—both performance-wise and for the earth,” he said.
Going Green by the Numbers
The ambitious order features four 787-9 jets and eight of the larger 787-10 models, amplifying Qantas’ existing fleet of 14 787-9 aircraft. Data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA) highlights the critical importance of fuel-efficient aircraft in reducing the aviation industry’s carbon footprint, which currently accounts for 2–3% of global CO2 emissions. Boeing’s 787 Dreamliner series boasts a 20–25% improvement in fuel efficiency compared to their predecessors, marking a quantum leap in conservation metrics.
The aircraft’s remarkable efficiencies translate into real-world results. The aviation industry consumed approximately 97 billion gallons of fuel in 2019. A 25% reduction, should the entire fleet convert to Dreamliner-like efficiencies, would be equivalent to saving nearly 24 billion gallons annually. Furthermore, the jets are optimized for utilising Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), an eco-friendly alternative that can further reduce lifecycle CO2 emissions by up to 80%.
New Horizons in Air Travel.
Stan Deal, the charismatic President and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes emphasized how the 787 family is “exactly the kind of game-changing innovation that the industry needs.” The 787-9 model can cover 7,565 nautical miles (approximately 14,010 km), offering unparalleled connectivity between Australia and far-flung destinations such as North America and Europe. The 787-10 variant provides a range of 6,330 nautical miles (approximately 11,730 km), making it an ideal choice for numerous international and regional routes.
Fleet Renewal Meets Future Growth.
Beyond environmental benchmarks, the acquisition is a linchpin of Qantas’ strategic expansion. The airline has been trying to refresh its fleet, focusing on cost-efficiency and eco-sustainability. Year after year, the airline has seen a marked increase in fuel efficiency, with this new order setting the pace for exponential improvements.
With Boeing itself, a stalwart in the aerospace sector—servicing clients in more than 150 countries and being a top U.S. exporter—the company’s alignment with Qantas provides a compelling narrative of shared commitments toward economic opportunity, sustainability, and community impact.
In a world grappling with climate change and an unprecedented pandemic that has battered the airline industry, Qantas’ bold initiative provides a beacon of hope and a blueprint for the future. The airline isn’t just flying into a new age of travel; it is charting the industry’s journey towards a sustainable tomorrow.
Written by: Jason Smith from Boeing HQ