Aircraft

Qantas Airways is considering ordering Boeing 777-300ER long-range widebody twinjets because it has concluded that it will need a second type to operate alongside Airbus A380s to fully replace its fleet of ageing Boeing 747-400s.

The Oneworld carrier's chief executive Geoff Dixon says the airline is in discussions with Airbus and Boeing on acquiring additional long-haul aircraft to replace its 747-400s.

© Colin Parker/AirTeamImages.com

Qantas operates 30 747-400s and has 20 A380s on order, the first of which is due to be delivered in September. The airline says no decision has been made on which type of aircraft will be acquired and no proposals have been put to the board.

In 2006 Qantas evaluated the ultra-long-range 777-200LR, but decided against placing an order. Last year the carrier called on Boeing to develop a longer-range 787.

If Qantas adds 777-300ERs it could facilitate the launch of more services from Australia to continental Europe. The airline routes most of its Europe-bound traffic through London Heathrow.