As the new year begins, Qantas Group closed out the year 2023 with a reasonably good on-time performance after facing operational challenges in November.
Turbulence in November
November proved to be a testing month for Qantas, grappling with major storm activities on both the east and west coasts of Australia, coupled with air traffic control issues.
Despite these challenges, safety took precedence over schedule, leading to a commendable response to engineering-related delays.
A Shift in Performance
Noteworthy was the decrease in cancellations on Qantas’ Canberra-Sydney flights, dropping from 10% in October to less than 4% in November.
This positive shift can be attributed to a strategic change in the fleet mix, safeguarding the route from disruptions within the airline’s regional network.
December 2023
Up to Christmas, around 70% of Qantas flights had departed on time, even factoring in the challenges posed by Tropical Cyclone Jasper.
Qantas and Jetstar say that they were well-prepared for the bustling Summer holiday period, with contingency plans that included having up to 13 jet aircraft on standby, including the impressive Airbus A380.
Additional measures involved bolstering reserve staff numbers and advancing maintenance activities to ensure operational smoothness during the peak travel season.
Customer-Centric Innovations
Qantas continued its dedication to enhancing the passenger experience by implementing several improvements.
Notable enhancements included an increase in Frequent Flyer reward seats, a substantial upgrade to the Qantas app featuring baggage tracking, and an overall enhancement of in-flight catering services.
Airbus A220: A Milestone in Fleet Renewal
December 2023 marked a significant milestone with the arrival of the first QantasLink Airbus A220 in Sydney.
This event symbolizes the initiation of the Group’s extensive fleet renewal program, with 29 A220s set to replace the Boeing 717s.
These new aircraft boast double the range, enabling non-stop flights between any two points in Australia.
Future Flight: A Glimpse Ahead
The A220s, with their 137-seat capacity, are anticipated to open up new direct domestic and short-haul international routes, redefining Qantas’ flight network.
The arrival of Minyma Kutjara Tjukurpa is the thirteenth new aircraft delivered in the past 12 months, showcasing the airline’s commitment to modernization.
Further deliveries of various aircraft types are expected in the next 12 months, solidifying Qantas’ position as a pioneer in the aviation industry.
