A Tesla Model S P90D recently took on a Qantas Boeing 737-800 in a race down a runway in Melbourne, Australia, marking a recent collaboration between Qantas and Tesla that will “drive innovation for their customers and suitability in the transport industry.”
According to Qantas’ press release, this was a “duel that pitted two examples of engineering achievement against one another.”
In one corner: the imposing 737 — equipped with two CFM International Jet engines, capable of generating over 52,000 pounds of thrust and hitting cruising speeds of over 525 mph (or Mach 0.82).
In the other corner: the sleek and stylish Dual Motor Model S, which, when switched into “ludicrous mode,” can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in three seconds. (This decreases the 1 to 60 acceleration time for the standard Model S by 10 percent.)
So besides an awesome promotional video, what can we expect from the collaboration?
For one, lots of members-only perks: Qantas frequent flyers can experience Tesla’s latest technology at exclusive events, while all Model S owners will receive Qantas Club membership. Tesla will also outfit several of the airline’s valet facilities with its High Power Wall Connectors, which means Model S owners can charge while they travel.
Additionally, Qantas will become Tesla’s official “airline of choice” in the land down under, offsetting the car maker’s domestic travel emissions as part of its Future Planet Program, which seeks to reduce the environmental footprint of global businesses through various industry-specific initiatives.
“We’re huge admirers of the way Tesla has transformed the electric car sector as a premium brand and we look forward to sharing our understanding and advance the work we started in 2012 on biofuels as an alternative to jet fuel,” Alan Milne, Qantas’ Head of Environment Fuel, said.
