Qantas Bolsters Europe Flights, Maps Out A380 Phase-Out
Qantas adds Europe frequencies to avoid Middle East hubs, plans A380 retirements from 2028, and eyes new widebody options.
Qantas is increasing flight frequencies to Europe, a move the airline's CEO says is designed to offer passengers alternatives to Middle East transit hubs. The carrier intends to maintain these additional services for as long as the current situation requires, according to remarks made on Tuesday.
In a separate fleet update, the airline confirmed it will begin retiring its Airbus A380 superjumbos from mid-2028. The phase-out will be staggered over several years, though the company is deliberately avoiding a fixed timeline to retain operational flexibility.
Qantas is also in discussions with Airbus and Boeing to firm up 20 purchase options for additional A350 and 787 widebody aircraft. The airline expects these new jets to arrive after 2030, timed to coincide with the gradual withdrawal of the A380 from service.
The CEO described the A380 as an ageing aircraft that is no longer in production, noting that its maintenance costs are projected to rise over time, making its eventual replacement a strategic priority.