Qantas and Singapore Airlines weigh major wide-body jet purchases

Qantas is in confidential talks with Airbus and Boeing about buying roughly 20 additional wide‑body aircraft, including options for Boeing 787s or the main variant of Airbus’ A350. The Australian carrier, which currently operates about 128 jets, is mid‑way through a fleet‑renewal programme that already includes orders for 12 Boeing 787s and 24 Airbus A350‑1000s, some of which are the ultra‑long‑range version for its "Project Sunrise" non‑stop flights.

Singapore Airlines is also negotiating a potential purchase of at least 50 of the industry’s largest jets, evaluating the Boeing 777X and the Airbus A350‑1000. The discussions are in early stages but could expand to include dozens of additional aircraft. SIA’s fleet‑renewal plans aim to support growth through the next decade, despite higher fuel prices and supply‑chain delays affecting new‑type deliveries.

Both airlines are among the world’s biggest long‑haul carriers, and their procurement decisions are closely watched by the two leading aircraft manufacturers as they shape demand for next‑generation wide‑body jets.