Qantas could delay its ambitious plan to fly non-stop from Australia's east coast to London or New York, after Boeing pushed back production of a new aeroplane that might operate the ultra-long haul flights.
The US jet manufacturer on Thursday confirmed it was delaying the production schedule of its 777X-8 aircraft, as it contends with problems with the new jet's engines and also tries to get its grounded 737MAX short-haul aircraft back in the sky.
Qantas has been adding 787 Dreamliners to its fleet and is looking at the 777X-8.
Qantas is considering buying either the 777X-8 or rival Airbus' A350-1000 to operate non-stop flights from Sydney and Melbourne to London and New York which, at around 21 hours, would be the world's longest passenger flights.
The airline plans to make a decision about whether to go ahead with its so-called Project Sunrise this year, and intended to launch the services in late 2022 or early 2023.
The 777X-8 was expected to enter service in 2022 and the delay means Qantas will either have to choose Airbus' jet or move its own plans back.
A Qantas spokesman said Boeing's delay delivering the 777X-8 did not mean the aircraft was out of contention, and it continued to work with both manufacturers.
Alan Joyce taking an Airbus A350-1000 for a test flight in February 2018. Credit: Kate Geraghty
"We have the best-and-final offers from both manufacturers, which is a key part of helping finalise our internal business case," he said. "We still expect to make a decision by the end of this calendar year.”
Airbus' A350-1000 is already in service, operating on Singapore Airlines' non-stop services from Singapore to New York, which is currently the longest flight in the world.
The first flight for Beoing's larger 777X-9, which cannot fly as far at the -8, had already been pushed back from this year to 2020 because of issues with the model's engines.
Boeing did not say how long development of the 777X-8 would be delayed. The company said it decided to "adjust" its schedule after reviewing its "development program schedule and the needs of our current 777X customers".
"The adjustment reduces risk in our development program, ensuring a more seamless transition to the 777-8," a company spokesman said in an email.
"We continue to engage with our current and potential customers on how we can meet their fleet needs. This includes our valued customer Qantas."
The spokesman said Boeing remained committed to the 777X-8, which Emirates, Etihad Airways and Qatar Airways have on order.