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Watch a Tesla Model X Tow a Qantas 787 Dreamliner

May 22, 2018
2 min read
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Watch a Tesla Model X Tow a Qantas 787 Dreamliner
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Qantas' newest star, its 787 Dreamliner, came face to face with one of the leading electric passenger vehicles, the Tesla Model X P100D. When the two vehicles met last week, it marked the first time an electric vehicle towed a passenger airliner. And there's a video to prove the seamless tow.

On a runway at Melbourne Airport (MEL), the Tesla was attached to the Dreamliner in an attempt to snag the Guinness World Record spot for the heaviest tow by an electric production passenger vehicle — the Tesla Model X P100D has the greatest pulling power of any passenger vehicle.

The Dreamliner weights about 130 metric tonnes and can carry 236 people (this particular Dreamliner only had a small amount of fuel onboard and was not carrying any cargo or passengers). The Tesla's rated road tow capacity measures in at 2.5 metric tonnes. When the Tesla towed the Dreamliner, it was carrying more than 50 times its towing capacity and produced so much torque that it was able to tow the Dreamliner nearly 300 meters.

Qantas partnered with Tesla to bring attention to their plan to reduce greenhouse emissions. In certain Australian cities, the airline already uses electric aircraft tugs to move airplanes. Qantas has more than 10,000 pieces of equipment in its inventory that run on diesel — "even just a small shift to electric power will have an enormous impact in the move to a sustainable future," the airline said in a press release.

In their partnership, Tesla and Qantas are offering Tesla owners who are also Qantas Frequent Flyer members can have their "mileage offset both in their vehicles and in the air for the month of June with the Qantas' Future Planet Program." Additionally, Qantas Valet facilities throughout Australia are supplying charging stations for Tesla vehicles.

Take a look at the video below to see the Tesla Model X P100D successfully tow the Qantas 787 Dreamliner.

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  • Annual Fee

    $325
  • Recommended Credit

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Why We Chose It

There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)

Pros

  • 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
  • 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
  • Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
  • Solid welcome bonus

Cons

  • Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
  • Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
  • You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
  • $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
  • $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
  • $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
  • $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
  • Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees.
  • Annual Fee is $325.
  • Terms Apply.