Qantas Airways' fleet of six 747-700 extended range (ER) jetliners will be the first to use the Boeing Landing Gear Overhaul and Exchange Program.

The Boeing Service Centre Repair Network will reduce maintenance time for the airline through "quick, reliable access to landing gear exchanges, repair and replacement around the world".

The airliner, also the first to launch the 747-700 extended range (ER), is expected to use the Boeing Service Centre Repair Network from 2011.

"We appreciate that a customer such as Qantas is demonstrating their confidence in Boeing to provide them with this important service," Boeing Commercial Airplanes Material Services Vice President Dale Wilkinson said.

"By choosing Boeing's landing gear exchange program, Qantas will have immediate access to a replacement gear without having to invest in a landing gear asset themselves."

Mr Wilkinson said the launch of the program by Qantas creates an opportunity for operator of the 40 747-400ER Freighters currently in service.