The airline’s older A330s will also gradually leave the fleet from this year.
Qantas will retire its Airbus A380s from 2028 – four years ahead of schedule – as part of wider fleet renewal plans that will also see a gradual retirement of A330s from this year.
The Australian carrier confirms it is “in discussions with Airbus and Boeing regarding exercising options” to replace its A380s and A330s.
Qantas, which operates 10 A380s, notes that while the type had been “critical” in its post-pandemic recovery, supply chain challenges on the out-of-production A380 are “increasing operational risks and maintenance costs”.
For one, the recent spike in jet fuel prices – brought about by the war in the Middle East – has had “disproportionate impact” on its A380 fleet.
The exit of the A380s is expected to “significantly improve” Qantas’ international earnings, and reduce “operational complexity”.
“The next generation aircraft replacing it can fly further and will be able to operate all routes on the airline’s current international network and open up new ones,” adds the carrier.
The Oneworld operator deploys the A380 – configured to seat 485 passengers in four classes – on one-stop flights to Europe, as well as to North America. Its 10 jets are between 15 and 18 years old.
The disclosure, made alongside its full-year results, is the clearest indication yet from the Australian carrier about the fate of its superjumbos. In 2023, the airline said its A380s would remain in service until 2032.
The announcement also comes as the airline prepares to take delivery of its first A350-1000ULR in April 2027, with the type eventually operating the ultra-long-haul ‘Project Sunrise’ flights between Australia and Europe.
Qantas International chief Cam Wallace says the airline now has “confidence” in the delivery schedule of its long-haul widebodies, including ‘Project Sunrise’ jets and Boeing 787-9s from 2027.
According to an investor presentation, the A380s are likely to be replaced by A350s – both the ultra-long-haul and long-haul variants – while Qantas’ A330s will be replaced by new 787s on long-haul operations and A321XLRs for short- to medium-haul flights.
New cabin products in the pipeline
As part of its fleet renewal announcements, Qantas confirms it will be configuring a sub-fleet of new A321XLRs with lie-flat seats in business class.
Of the 48 A321XLRs that it will eventually receive, 16 aircraft will be configured with the lie-flat seats. These aircraft, the first of which will arrive in 2028, will primarily operate transcontinental services to and from Perth, as well as short- and medium-haul international routes.
The ‘Business Suite’ product is configured in an angled herringbone layout and will feature a privacy sliding door. According to renderings released by Qantas, the A321XLR will likely feature 16 ‘Business Suite’ seats.
Qantas also revealed an upgraded business-class product for its upcoming 787-9s, which will be delivered from 2028 and will operate long-haul routes.
The 42 ‘Business Suite’ seats will feature privacy sliding doors – the first time the airline is doing so for its 787 business-class seats – with additional legroom.
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