Qantas puts on larger aircraft to handle online shopping boom

Tasmanians have a flare for shopping online with the sector experiencing a ‘substantial’ boom. Find out how what changes one airport has made to keep up.

Workers working on conveyor belt in packaging plant. Picture: iStock

An online shopping boom in northern Tasmania has meant Qantas has had to put on a larger aircraft to handle all the incoming parcels.

The airline’s freight arm had upgraded to an Airbus A321 with 70 per cent more capacity than the existing aircraft on the route, just to keep up with demand.

Qantas Freight Executive Manager Igor Kwiatkowski said new aircraft was part of the airline’s strategy to improve airfreight capabilities and modernise the freight fleet.

“The A321 means we can transport up to 70 per cent more parcels to Launceston shoppers each trip than we could on the 737s,” he said.

“The new aircraft also comes with environmental benefits, creating less emissions and using less fuel per parcel delivered.”

Australia Post Executive General Manager Network Operations Rod Barnes said a sustained increase in online shopping meant demand for shipping was booming.

“Launceston has experienced substantial e-commerce growth of 72.4 per cent since 2019 and this additional capacity from our newer, more fuel efficient aircraft will be crucial in supporting the ongoing expansion of online shopping in the region.

“With capacity to carry up to 21.3 tonnes of freight, equivalent to around 21,000 parcels, this freighter will allow us to streamline our services while supporting our commitment to a more sustainable future.”

Launceston Airport CEO Shane O’Hare and Treasurer Michael Ferguson at Launceston Airport on Monday, June 24, 2024.

Launceston Airport CEO Shane O’Hare said aviation plays a vital role in the movement interstate of goods and people.

“We are proud to have doubled our direct services to the mainland since the pandemic which have provided vital connections for our community, whether that be in the form of a seat on a plane or a last-minute birthday gift,” he said.

“We often celebrate increased passenger capacity on flights, but this investment in Tasmania by Qantas and Australia Post is a reminder that airfreight plays an equally important role.”

Premier and Minister for Tourism and Hospitality Jeremy Rockliff said Launceston Airport had recorded its busiest May on record and also the biggest start to a year in the airport’s history.

“In the traditionally quieter months to record these types of numbers is wonderful news for Northern Tasmania,” he said.

“To have a whopping 638,943 people come through the airport over the first five months of 2024 is quite amazing and surpasses the previous record set in 2019.”

Treasurer, Michael Ferguson said the airport’s success reflected levels of economic activity underpinning the state’s record low unemployment rates.