“This really is the end of one era and the start of another. The jumbo has been the backbone of Qantas International for more than 40 years and we’ve flown almost every type that Boeing built. It’s fitting that its retirement is going to coincide with our centenary in 2020,” said Joyce.
Qantas will be retiring Boeing 747s from its fleet with the order of six additional Boeing 787-9s on its international network, bringing its total Dreamliners to 14 by the end of 2020.
Qantas Group CEO Alan Joyce said the announcement was an important moment for the national carrier.
“This really is the end of one era and the start of another. The jumbo has been the backbone of Qantas International for more than 40 years and we’ve flown almost every type that Boeing built. It’s fitting that its retirement is going to coincide with our centenary in 2020,” said Joyce.

“By the end of 2020 we’ll have farewelled the 747, finished upgrading the cabins of our A380s, and welcomed our fourteenth 787. That’s a great proposition for our customers and creates some really exciting opportunities for our people,” added Joyce.
With “better economics and a longer range”, the 787 has helped Qantas open up new routes like Perth to London. The airline will also be looking at destinations in the Americas, Asia, South Africa and Europe.
Qantas expects to invest in an additional 787 simulator to assist with training more of its pilots to operate the new aircraft. This comes on top of the Qantas Group Pilot Academy opening in 2019.
While the Qantas Dreamliner carries fewer passengers than the larger 747 (236 seats vs 364), it will have a greater focus on Business and Premium Economy seating.
The reduced maintenance needs of the 787 plus more efficient aircraft patterning and reduced payload restrictions on long routes also mean the actual impact on overall capacity for Qantas International is expected to be negligible. The Dreamliner burns approximately 20% less fuel than comparable aircraft.
To date, Qantas has taken delivery of four 787-9s with a further four due to arrive by the end of 2018.