SYDNEY: August 12, 2019. Australia Post and Qantas have announced an expansion of their nearly 100 year-old partnership delivering domestic and international parcels. The airline began delivering mail in 1922.

The A$1 billion, seven-year agreement will give Australia Post customers access to Qantas Freight’s dedicated freighter fleet and priority access to space on up to 1,500 daily Qantas and Jetstar passenger flights to over 110 destinations.

Qantas will also become the first airline to operate three A321 freighters converted from passenger aircraft - adding nine tonnes more than existing B737 capacity - with the first aircraft due to enter service in October 2020.

Australia Post CEO and managing director Christine Holgate (pictured with Qantas CEO Alan Joyce) said the expanded alliance will help support the e-commerce engine driving the country’s domestic and international trade.

“This agreement will further boost our unrivalled, dedicated air freighter network with newer aircraft and more capacity right up until the opening of the new Western Sydney airport in 2026,” she said.

The additional capacity complements the A$900 million spent in upgrading Australia Post’s network through investment in automation and infrastructure, continued Holgate.

“It means that we can build flexibility into the air freight network to manage increased volumes and demand in the lead-up to Christmas. Last year we flew more than 400 tonnes of mail on our busiest night, and more than 40 million parcels during December; this year, we expect to exceed both those targets.”

“Consumer preferences and expectations are rapidly changing and together with Australia Post we’re responding by growing our dedicated freighter fleet to provide a better experience for consumers and businesses,” Joyce added.