Qantas to issue RFP for new narrowbodies

According to Reuters, Qantas is nearing the official launch of Request for Proposals in which the airline is seeking offers to replace its twenty B717s, seventeen Fokker 100s (both operated by QantasLink) and 75 B737-800s.

The airline is looking to the Airbus A220, Boeing B737-7 and Embraer E2 for the regional jets and to the A320neo-family and B737MAX-family as potential replacement for its B737-800 fleet. In total, the order could be for more than 100 jets with additional options.

Qantas originally planned to place an order for its narrowbody-replacement last year but the Corona-pandemic postponed this. Now, with Australia on the brink of reopening again, the time is nearing to make a decision. The airline is also still considering to order A350-1000s for its Project Sunrise.

Currently, the Qantas Group has open orders with Airbus for 45 A320neos and 64 A321neos. These are, however, intended to go to Jetstar Airways, although the Group said it didn't rule out to have A321neoXLRs in the mainline fleet as well. The first of these neos are schedule to be delivered next year.

Photo by Qantas.