SYDNEY: Australian national carrier Qantas on Wednesday ordered six Dreamliner planes from aviation giant Boeing to replace the last of its aging jumbo jets, which have been a staple of the firm’s fleet since 1971.
The deal, worth $1.7 billion at list prices, comes as Qantas looks to build up its supply of 787-9 jets, which are more fuel efficient and have lower maintenance costs.
To date it has taken delivery of four and a further four are due to arrive by the end of 2018. The latest batch are due by the end of 2020.
“This really is the end of one era and the start of another,” said chief executive Alan Joyce.
“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.”
He added that the “better economics and a longer range” have allowed Qantas to open up new routes like Perth to London.
“With a larger fleet of Dreamliners, we’ll be looking at destinations in the Americas, Asia, South Africa and Europe,” he added.
The announcement was made as Qantas revealed in a trading update it was on track to post a record full-year underlying profit before tax of A$1.55 billion to A$1.60 billion.
The result, slated to be officially released in August, comes on the back of an aggressive efficiency drive that has included hefty redundancies and a shift away from loss-making routes, despite rising fuel costs.
“We’re seeing solid results from each of our business units, which is a reflection of broadly positive trading conditions and the work we’ve done to strengthen the group,” said Joyce.
Qantas orders six more Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft as jumbo jets bow out
Qantas orders six more Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft as jumbo jets bow out
Saudi energy minister holds series of high-level meetings to cement collaborations
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Energy held a series of strategic meetings in Riyadh with senior ministers from various counties, in a diplomatic push to bolster international energy collaboration.
Officials from Greece, Brazil, and Morocco were among those to meet with Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman, as well as representatives from Libya and Pakistan.
The discussions centered on expanding cooperation across a wide spectrum of energy sectors, from traditional hydrocarbons to cutting-edge clean technologies, according to the Saudi Press Agency.
The engagements underscored Saudi Arabia’s proactive role in shaping the global energy transition through bilateral partnerships. A consistent theme across the talks was the dual focus on securing energy supplies and advancing climate-related solutions, including renewable power, clean hydrogen, and carbon management.
Deepening European and South American ties
Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman met with Greece’s Minister of Environment and Energy, Stavros Papastavrou. Building upon a previously signed Memorandum of Understanding, the two officials explored avenues for joint cooperation in oil and gas, electricity, and renewables, as well as other related sectors.
In a separate meeting with Brazil’s Minister of Mines and Energy, Alexandre Silveira, the parties discussed prospects for collaboration across various energy domains. They reviewed means to enhance coordination, particularly in electricity, renewables, oil and gas, and the exchange of technical expertise.
Signing a program with Morocco
A key outcome emerged from the meeting with Morocco’s Minister of Energy Transition and Sustainable Development, Leila Benali. Following their discussions on mutual interests, investment opportunities in renewables, and energy efficiency, the two sides signed an executive cooperation program.
This program, falling under an MoU signed in May 2022, aims to concretize the energy partnership. Its goals are boosting mutual investments in renewable projects and enabling national companies to collaborate on renewable energy projects.
It also encompasses using renewables in development projects, establishing joint research and development centers, and facilitating training and knowledge transfer.
Strengthening regional and Islamic cooperation
Prince Abdulaziz also conferred with Libya’s Minister of Oil and Gas, Khalifa Rajab Abdulsadek. Their meeting focused on energy cooperation, including energy technologies and solutions, as well as enhancing investment opportunities in renewables and energy efficiency.
Discussions with Pakistan’s Minister of Petroleum, Ali Pervaiz Malik, covered shared interests in oil and its supplies, renewable energy, energy efficiency, joint investment opportunities, and the exchange of expertise in project, policy, and regulatory development.
This flurry of diplomatic activity highlights Saudi Arabia’s comprehensive energy strategy, which seeks to maintain its leadership in traditional energy markets while pursuing a stake in the future clean energy economy.
