Qantas is expected to order a fleet of 787-10s to replace its Airbus A330s according to a report from Reuters which is quoting industry sources.

The airline's incoming CEO Vanessa Hudson revealed in June that the airline would launch a competition between Boeing and Airbus to replace its A330s.

Qantas has 26 A330s which have an average age of nearly 17 years. The majority are the smaller A330-200 which seat 251 in a two class configuration, while the -300s seat 271. The 787-10 in a similar layout would seat 330.

Incoming Qantas CEO Vanessa Hudson said in June the carrier would kickstart a competition to replace existing A330 jets by end-year.

Reuters said that Qantas, Boeing and Airbus had declined to comment.

The order for Boeing would be a reversal of fortune with the Australian carrier, which has seen Airbus steal the lead last year with a huge order for A350-1000s for its ultra-long-haul requirement and Airbus A320s and A220s to replace Boeing 717s and 737s.

Qantas has 14 787-9s in its fleet while Jetstar has 11 787-8s.

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