Qantas Considers 737 Max and 797 for Domestic Fleet Renewal

Qantas is set to renew its domestic fleet over the next few years, and is looking at replacing its B737-800s with either A320neo or B737 MAX aircraft, reports Australian Business Traveller.

Qantas CEO Alan Joyce told a media briefing that the Australian airline is also keen on Boeing’s proposed New Midsize Airplane (NMA), tentatively dubbed the B797.

“The economics of that on paper look good,” Joyce said, at an event welcoming Qantas’ first B787-9 delivery this week, adding that the NMA could be deployed on transcontinental and Asian flights. Due to its size, it could help Qantas beat the impending slot crunch at Sydney Kingsford Smith airport.

Regarding the domestic fleet, Joyce ruled out replacing the A330s with the incoming Dreamliners as they are “over spec’d” for domestic flights, although the new aircraft will be temporarily used on services between Sydney, Melbourne Tullamarine and Perth Int’l until December.

Speaking on the sidelines of the B787-9 delivery from Everett, Joyce also confirmed that Qantas is currently exploring the B777-8 as an option for its desired non-stop services from Sydney and Melbourne to London Heathrow and New York JFK.