The initial two A220s from Airbus, with 137 seats each, are operating on Melbourne-Canberra and Melbourne-Brisbane routes.
The aircraft will reduce carbon emissions by a quarter compared to the Boeing 717s they replace. The A220s can also fly nearly twice as far – they’re able to fly between any two Australian destinations in addition to several short haul international locations, offering potential for new routes in the future.
“These next-generation aircraft are going to make a real difference for customers travelling across our network,” said QantasLink CEO, Rachel Yangoyan.
“The A220 is more comfortable, offering a greater sense of space and fast and free Wi-Fi for every customer.
“The aircraft are also quieter and generate up to 25 per cent fewer carbon emissions, which is critical as we work towards our net zero target.”
There are 27 more A220s in the current aircraft order from Qantas. The third of the new fleet is expected to arrive in Australia in June this year, with a further four aircraft delivered by mid-2025.
The A220s are set to be operating on the Melbourne-Hobart route from July 2024, between Melbourne and Coffs Harbour from October and between Melbourne and Launceston from November.
These aircraft will help business events delegates and organisers reduce the carbon footprints of their events in these destinations, as the business events industry looks to be at net zero by 2050.
