Sydney, Dec 20: QantasLink’s fleet renewal program leaps forward with the arrival of its first Airbus A220 aircraft in Sydney today, a milestone in the Group’s aviation history.
The inaugural A220, adorned with a unique indigenous livery, embarked on its journey from Airbus’ Mirabel facility in Canada, making stops in Vancouver, Honolulu, and Nadi (Fiji) before its midday landing in Sydney.
This aircraft is the first of 29 A220s slated for delivery to QantasLink, complemented by an additional order of 36 widebody aircraft for the Group’s domestic fleet.
The A220s are set to replace the Boeing 717s, boasting double the range and the capability to connect any two points in Australia directly.
Seating 137 passengers, these new additions are expected to introduce new domestic and short-haul international routes.
Qantas Group CEO Vanessa Hudson highlighted the A220’s potential for reduced emissions, quieter operation, and enhanced passenger comfort.
She expressed excitement for the opportunities the aircraft brings, including new direct routes and a significant step towards Qantas’ net zero carbon emissions goal.
“This is just the beginning of Qantas’ largest domestic fleet renewal program, with a new aircraft arriving every three weeks on average over the next few years,” Hudson remarked, emphasizing the additional employment opportunities this expansion will create.
The first A220, registered VH-X4A, will undergo regulatory approvals and crew training before commencing flights on the Melbourne-Canberra route in early 2024.
A dedicated A220 flight simulator in Melbourne will aid in pilot training.
Qantas has collaborated with Balarinji, the Copyright Agency, and Tjungu Palya Art Centre for the aircraft’s livery, featuring senior Pitjantjatjara artist Maringka Baker’s painting, “Minyma Kutjara Tjukurpa” (Two Sisters Creation Story).
This livery is part of Qantas’ Flying Art Series, celebrating First Nations art and culture.
Over the past year, Qantas has received 13 new aircraft, including this A220, nine Airbus A321LRs for Jetstar, and three Boeing 787 Dreamliners for Qantas International.
The coming year promises more deliveries, including the first Airbus A321XLR for Qantas Domestic, as the Boeing 737 fleet is gradually retired.
The second A220 is in the final assembly stages, expected in January 2024, with five more to be delivered by mid-2025. QantasLink’s A220, offering 10 Business and 127 Economy seats, will primarily connect smaller and larger capital cities and is named after Australian native wildlife, a departure from the standard naming convention due to its special livery.
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