iscover
Qantas is set to introduce QantasLink A220-300s on a number of Sunshine Coast services.
Starting February next year, the smaller jets will operate flights from the Sunshine Coast to Sydney and Melbourne, replacing the 737s that currently operate these routes.
This content is available exclusively to Australian Aviation members.
A monthly membership is only $5.99 or save with our annual plans.
- Australian Aviation quarterly print & digital magazines
- Access to In Focus reports every month on our website
- Unlimited access to all Australian Aviation digital content
- Access to the Australian Aviation app
- Australian Aviation quarterly print & digital magazines
- Access to In Focus reports every month on our website
- Access to our Behind the Lens photo galleries and other exclusive content
- Daily news updates via our email bulletin
- Unlimited access to all Australian Aviation digital content
- Access to the Australian Aviation app
- Australian Aviation quarterly print & digital magazines
- Access to In Focus reports every month on our website
- Access to our Behind the Lens photo galleries and other exclusive content
- Daily news updates via our email bulletin
“We know our customers love flying on our brand new A220s, and this expansion means more people will be able to experience the benefits of these aircraft when flying to and from the Sunshine Coast,” Rachel Yangoyan, chief executive of QantasLink, said.
“Not only are the A220s more comfortable, they’re also quieter and generate up to 25 per cent fewer carbon emissions, which is critical as we work towards our net zero target.”
The 137-seater A220s replace QantasLink’s now-retired 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.
Chris Mills, chief executive of Sunshine Coast Airport, welcomed the arrival of the A220s, which he said have seen the highest customer satisfaction in the Qantas fleet over recent months.
“The introduction of these new aircraft from February 2026 between the Sunshine Coast, Sydney and Melbourne represents a great step forward in terms of sustainability and passenger experience,” Mills said.
“We look forward to seeing the A220s deployed next year to support the increasing demand for travel in and out of our region.”
QantasLink now has seven A220s in service out of a total order of 29 aircraft, with the most recent, VH-X4G, having arrived in Australia in May.
The airline is also planning to introduce the jet on Sydney–Coffs Harbour services starting in late October, having launched them on the Melbourne route in October last year. At the same time, QantasLink will also increase its Sydney–Coffs Harbour return flights from 24 to 26 per week.
Qantas Group now has a firm order for 214 aircraft, with 32 already delivered as at June 30. It took delivery of 17 new aircraft in FY25, with 20 expected this financial year and 29 in 2027, including 36 for Qantas, 10 for Jetstar, and three for Qantas Freight.
