Qantas, Australia’s national airline, has received its initial A220 aircraft from the new generation series, making it the 20th operator of this aircraft model. This particular plane marks the beginning of Qantas Group’s order of 29 A220s that will be utilized by QantasLink, their regional airline serving both urban and rural areas throughout Australia.

The airplane, adorned with a distinctive livery inspired by Aboriginal artwork, is set to leave the Airbus assembly line in Mirabel soon. It will be flown to Sydney for delivery, making stops along the way in Vancouver, Honolulu, and Nadi.

The QantasLink 717 fleet will be phased out and replaced by the Airbus A220 aircraft. With the ability to fly twice the distance, the A220 can provide non-stop connectivity between any two points in Australia. Furthermore, the A220 brings about a notable 25% decrease in both fuel consumption and carbon emissions when compared to older aircraft models.

The A220 outperforms its class with the biggest cabin, seats, and windows, providing passengers with exceptional comfort. Qantas will have a total of 137 seats in their A220s, divided into two classes: 10 seats in business and 127 seats in economy.

The A220 is a highly advanced aircraft tailored for seating capacity ranging from 100 to 150. It stands out as the most cutting-edge airliner in its size class. Equipped with state-of-the-art Pratt & Whitney GTF engines, it has the capability to fly up to 3,450 nautical miles or 6,390 kilometers without the need for refueling.

Like other Airbus planes, the A220 can currently utilize up to 50% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). By 2030, Airbus plans to ensure all its aircraft can operate using 100% SAF.