Joyce Regrets Qantas' 2000 Fleet Decision: Opting for Airbus Over 777

Qantas' former CEO Alan Joyce regrets a key fleet decision made in 2000. At that time, Qantas chose to order 13 Airbus A330s, 12 A380s, and six Boeing 747-400ERs instead of the then-new Boeing 777-300ER. However, Joyce now believes this was a mistake, citing the superior economics of the 777 for long-haul routes.

The airline had consulted on the design of the 777 but opted for Airbus due to pricing and fleet strategy considerations at the time. This decision reflected Qantas' needs in expanding domestic capacity after Ansett's collapse and upgrading 747 routes. However, the 777-300ER later became an industry staple.

Qantas now operates newer aircraft such as the Boeing 787s and Airbus A350s. Joyce's regret highlights how fleet choices can lock in costs for decades and affect fuel efficiency and route profitability.