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Qantas has pushed back the introduction of A220-300s from Darwin to Singapore, with the route instead set to launch using older 737s.
While the new service will begin on schedule, with the first flight slated for 30 March, it will initially operate four times per week on 737s rather than five times per week on the newer A220s, with the A220s now set to take over the route on 26 October.
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This will be the second time Qantas has changed the aircraft type on the route before its launch, as it was initially planned to begin in December using E190s before being delayed to March using the A220s.
As the 737 is a larger aircraft, the route will maintain roughly the same seat capacity despite flying one fewer service per week. Flights will arrive in Singapore in time to connect with Qantas’ QF1 services from Sydney to London via Singapore.
According to Qantas, this new change will allow more training time for former 717 pilots on the new aircraft type, which is operating QantasLink domestic flights on the east coast.
The 137-seater A220s are replacing QantasLink’s ageing Boeing 717 fleet, and offer a greater range and better fuel efficiency as well as cabin improvements including larger windows, more overhead locker space, and more comfortable economy seating compared to the 717.
QantasLink currently operates five A220s, with a total order of 29 on the way by the end of 2027.
Qantas is at the start of its major fleet renewal program, which will see the airline move from a predominantly Boeing to an Airbus airline.
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 also purchase 20 Airbus A321XLRs to fly its domestic routes, but with the option to buy many more. The first A321XLR is expected to arrive early this year.
Finally, subsidiary brand Jetstar has already begun welcoming its new fleet of A320neo family aircraft, with 22 A321neo LRs now in service, as well as three A320neos, the first of which began revenue flights at the end of last year.
