all the 762s are P and W JT9.

AA 2000: Qantas Leases British Airways 767s
By Edward James/Singapore

SINGAPORE (February 23, 2000) – Qantas has leased seven, nearly new, 229-seat Boeing 767-300s from 25% equity partner British Airways for A$650 million over seven years, to meet expanded services within Australia and to Singapore.

While Qantas executives declined to comment on lease details, sources at AA 2000 confirmed the amount and term of the lease from BA.

Analysts see the lease as a cost-effective solution to a capacity shortage. A new 767-300 has a list price of A$180 million.

The aircraft are the first part of a rapid fleet build up to meet increases in demand in Asia.

The BA 767-300s will be used on domestic routes only, releasing some Qantas’ 767-300s for extra services from Brisbane and Perth to Singapore.

The airline has also issued requests to both Airbus and Boeing for the 300-seat A340-500 or Boeing 777-200LR, which are capable of flying from Sydney to Dallas non-stop.

While this is the third time the request has been issued over the past two years, analysts close to the deal say that Qantas will buy this time.

Both Airbus and Boeing have confirmed here that they have responded to Qantas, and airline sources say that a decision will be made in two months on a type, with final contracts being signed by year-end.

Qantas is looking for an initial 10 aircraft, with a total list price of up to A$2.50 billion.

The 777-200LR is considered the frontrunner as it is wider, faster and more economical than the A340-500.

On a non-stop flight from Dallas to Sydney the 777 would arrive at least 35 minutes ahead of the A340, claims Boeing.

Last year Qantas’ archrival Singapore Airlines dumped the A340 for more 777s, after passenger complaints.

Qantas’ oneworld alliance partners – BA, American Airlines and Cathay Pacific – all have large fleets of Boeing 777s.