SINGAPORE- One of the world’s best carriers, Singapore Airlines (SQ), is in early talks with Airbus and Boeing to order at least 50 of the largest passenger jets in production, as the carrier prepares for its next growth phase from the 2030s, according to two industry sources.
The carrier, which operates its main hub at Singapore Changi Airport (SIN), is seeking offers for the 400-seat Boeing 777X or the slightly smaller Airbus A350-1000. The discussions remain at an early stage but could include options for dozens of additional aircraft, Reuters reported
Singapore Airlines Weighs Major Widebody Order
Singapore Airlines is one of the largest buyers of long-haul jets worldwide. The carrier holds a reputation for detailed and tightly guarded aircraft negotiations, and its fleet choices can shape buying decisions across the global airline industry.
The Boeing 777X is currently the industry’s largest in-production model, while the Airbus A350-1000 sits just below it in capacity. Both aircraft are positioned for long-haul routes, which match the airline’s network strategy.
When approached by Reuters, Singapore Airlines said it regularly reviews its fleet renewal plans. The carrier declined to comment on “any confidential discussions that we may or may not be having”. Airbus and Boeing also declined to comment.
Capacity Expansion Continues Amid Higher Oil Prices
Last month, the airline confirmed it would continue to expand capacity even as some competitors reduced flights due to higher oil prices. This signals confidence in long-term travel demand despite a challenging cost environment.
Singapore Airlines is a longstanding operator of the Boeing 777 mini-jumbo. It was also an early customer for the Boeing 777X, the successor model, which has faced significant delays.
Larger Variants Under Consideration
The Singapore talks could help manufacturers, particularly Airbus, measure demand for larger aircraft variants still in development, the sources said.
Airbus said last year that it was considering a larger model, known as the A350-2000, to compete more directly with the Boeing 777X. The company has played down reports of an imminent launch. Airbus first raised the idea during an earlier Singapore Airlines contest 10 years ago, at a time when Boeing was studying its own 777X expansion.
Boeing agreed to revisit studies for a larger aircraft after Emirates ordered more 777X jets last November. However, the manufacturer is said to remain cautious given the limited demand for a new jumbo jet and its current focus on industrial recovery.
Qantas Also Plans Widebody Order
Qantas (QF) is in early discussions with aircraft manufacturers over a potential order for around 20 Airbus or Boeing wide-body jets, according to industry sources. The Australian flag carrier is weighing additional Boeing 787s or the standard variant of the Airbus A350 as part of its ongoing fleet planning.
The talks come as carriers across the industry expand their wide-body fleets to ease supply shortages, with Singapore Airlines (SQ) recently opening separate discussions for at least 50 large jets. Qantas, based in Sydney (SYD), said it has no orders to announce at this stage.
Qantas Weighs Fresh Wide-Body Commitment
Industry sources, who declined to be named because the talks are confidential, said Qantas is considering roughly 20 additional wide-body aircraft. The options under review include more Boeing 787s or the main A350 variant from Airbus.
A Qantas spokesperson said: “We’re in regular contact with aircraft manufacturers as part of our ongoing fleet planning and always update the market when we have something to announce. We currently have no updates or orders to announce.”
Despite geopolitical uncertainty, airlines have continued to grow their wide-body fleets to address shortages across the sector. Qantas’ discussions follow earlier reporting by Reuters that Singapore Airlines has opened talks to buy at least 50 of the industry’s biggest jets to support growth over the next decade.
Fleet Renewal Programme in Full Swing
Qantas operates around 128 jets and is in the middle of a fleet renewal programme involving 200 aircraft. The carrier currently holds outstanding orders for 12 Boeing 787s and 24 larger Airbus A350-1000s.
Twelve of those A350-1000s are a new “Ultra-Long Range” variant built for non-stop flights from Australia’s east coast to London or New York under the airline’s “Project Sunrise” plan.
Qantas has also disclosed existing options to buy more jets, split evenly between Airbus and Boeing. Sources said some of these options could be exercised as part of the latest study.
A Long-Running Airbus and Boeing Contest
Qantas has long been a key battleground for Airbus and Boeing. Its decision two decades ago to select Boeing’s new composite 787 partly forced Airbus to abandon its original, less ambitious A350 design.
These lightweight jets now sit at the heart of the wide-body market, though Qantas has yet to order the main A350-900 version.
The first specially adapted A350-1000ULR, designed for record 22-hour “Project Sunrise” flights, made its maiden flight on Tuesday (Jun 2). The first delivery has been pushed back by about four months to April 2027 due to supply chain issues.
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