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Qantas’ CEO Considers the 737 MAX

In an interesting twist, Qantas CEO Alan Joyce is eyeing the 737 MAX to replace the airline’s aging 737-800s. Although many speculated the company would opt for an aircraft in the Airbus A320 series, the CEO believes purchasing the 737 MAX may offer mutual benefit to both Boeing and Qantas.

Why the 737 MAX?

The 737-800 is the workhorse of Qantas’ domestic fleet, but they are aging, and some were even grounded in 2019 after the identification of cracks in their pickle forks. As the company moves to find a replacement, the 737 MAX has crossed their minds; however, there is the obvious issue of the aircraft still being grounded after two deadly crashes.

Although many people have their doubts about the jet, Mr. Joyce is confident the plane will be reliable and safe. He believes that because Qantas holds the “World’s Safest Airline” title, Boeing will do whatever they can to get Qantas to purchase it as a means to prove the aircraft’s reliability (and Qantas may be able to secure a nice discount in return). He explained in a statement, “Qantas itself will put the MAX aircraft through its own lens to make sure we are comfortable with it. But if you look at it from an opportunity point of view, given the aircraft is going to be very safe, what will Boeing do to get the safest airline in the world to buy the aircraft?”

Qantas Driving a Hard Bargain

It appears the CEO hopes to use his airline’s reputation as leverage for a discounted purchasing price for the new and improved MAX, assuming it gets the all-clear to fly again. The move would be an endorsement for Boeing, which would be invaluable in proving the aircraft and manufacturer’s credibility. Although the logic is there, the execution relies heavily on two factors: the industry’s perception of Qantas as the “world’s safest airline,” and passenger perception of the MAX. It will take more than just confidence in the carrier’s safety record to get customers to board the aircraft again.

Do you agree with Mr. Joyce? Let us know in the comments!

 

[Image Source: YouTube]

4 Comments
F
FEasy March 2, 2020

Choosing a plane that killed hundreds of passengers over a perfectly reputable competitor is an odd thing to do for an airline that values its reputation for safety above al else (*). (*) all else, except when it's massiively profitable.

C
Cleanshave February 29, 2020

It will take a lot more than an endorsement from Qantas to salvage the reputation of the 737 MAX. Today’s passengers are confident that modern aircraft do not drop out of the sky and it will be a long time before Boeing’s mistakes are forgotten and that they have the same confidence to fly this aircraft as they do its counterparts.

J
jjmoore February 28, 2020

I dont even want a free 737MAX!! I won't fly in one of these death traps until Boeing's entire program for this aircraft is gutted and all existing aircraft have every single discovered deficiency rectified. Until then, you won't find me even close to one of these aircraft.

D
Dublin_rfk February 26, 2020

Now that the politicians have lost interest the Max will return. Flown by pilots not cab drivers.