Here’s what the major Australian news organizations are saying as the clock ticks down to this week’s expected announcement by Qantas, which is in the market for up to 100 widebody jets.
The Australian http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5744,17459252%255E23349,00.html reports that Boeing is believed to have the edge, but top Qantas executives aren’t tipping their hands.
Key Quote: “‘We have not decided (what to recommend) yet,’ said Geoff Dixon, Qantas chief executive, when he was asked on ABC’s Inside Business program what he would tell his board this week.”
Reuters notes that Dixon is calling the bidding between Airbus and Boeing extremely close.
Key Quote: “‘It’s the closest contractual race I have ever seen in my time in industry,’ Dixon told ABC Television’s Inside Business.”
And speaking of the ABC (that’s Australian Broadcasting Co., btw), here’s the transcript of the interview. http://www.abc.net.au/insidebusiness/content/2005/s1523145.htm
Key Quote: “It goes to the board next week and whether the decision made there will depend on what the board feels and indeed what recommendation the management wants to make and to tell you the truth, we haven’t decided that as yet.”
The Age http://www.theage.com.au/news/business/qantas-set-to-launch-new-airline/2005/12/04/1133631149757.html notes that part of the order is likely to consist of 787s or A350s for Jetstar, Qantas’ proposed new international low-cost carrier.
Key Quote: “Qantas is deliberating whether to buy … Boeing 787s or Airbus 350s for the low-cost offshoot. It is expected that the other tranche of the order, ultra long-range Boeing 777-200LRs or Airbus A340-500s, will go to Qantas’ mainline operations.”
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