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QantasLink’s new A220-300s will begin serving Sydney from next month after their initial launch on Melbourne routes.
The new-generation aircraft, which already operate Melbourne–Brisbane, Melbourne–Canberra and Melbourne–Hobart services, will begin flying Sydney–Launceston on 27 October and Sydney–Hobart on 19 November.
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This will coincide with an expansion of A220 Melbourne services, with the planes to begin operating Melbourne–Launceston on 14 October and Melbourne–Coffs Harbour on 27 October. The aircraft have been flying to Tasmania since July.
“We’re excited to be bringing this next-generation aircraft to Launceston, which is going to really improve the travel experience for locals and tourists,” QantasLink CEO Rachel Yangoyan said.
“We’ve heard great feedback from customers about the A220, which offers a more comfortable and spacious cabin, as well as fast and free Wi-Fi.”
QantasLink now operates three A220s, with the third, VH-X4C, having arrived in Australia at the beginning of last month; its first commercial passenger service was QF1271 from Canberra to Melbourne on 10 August.
The 137-seater A220s are gradually replacing QantasLink’s ageing Boeing 717 fleet and offer a greater range and more fuel efficiency as well as cabin improvements including larger windows, more overhead locker space, and more comfortable economy seating compared to the 717.
The first QantasLink A220, VH-X4A, which features a special Indigenous art-inspired livery, touched down in Sydney in December following its ferry flight from Canada, while VH-X4B arrived on Australian soil a month later.
Qantas has three more A220s scheduled for delivery by mid-2025 and will gradually roll out the next-generation planes on other routes as they arrive.
The A220’s arrival forms part of a wider fleet renewal program that will transform the airline’s domestic and international aircraft.
Internationally, Qantas will receive 12 new 787 Dreamliners and 12 Airbus A350s to replace the bulk of its ageing A330 fleet, alongside a separate order for 12 specially adapted A350-1000 jets to launch Project Sunrise.
Domestically, the airline will purchase 20 Airbus A321XLRs and 29 A220-300s to fly its domestic routes, but with the option to buy many more.
Subsidiary brand Jetstar has already begun welcoming its new fleet of 38 A320neos, comprising 18 A321LRs and 20 A321XLR aircraft – an even longer-range variant.
Rival Virgin Australia had been considering the A220 as one of two candidates to replace its regional Fokker 100s, but ultimately opted for Embraer’s E190-E2.
