QantasLink’s next generation Airbus A220 aircraft has landed in Launceston recently, becoming the first city outside Australian capitals to welcome the new aircraft. The inaugural flight landed at 10.40am and was operated by the QantasLink aircraft named, Koala, the second A220 to join the QantasLink fleet earlier this year. There are four A220 aircraft currently operating across the Qantas network, with the fifth expected to arrive in November.
The aircraft is more fuel efficient than previous generation aircraft. Its modern light and bright cabin design with large windows and around 20 per cent more overhead lockers, specially designed seats and greater sense of space offers a more comfortable flight for customers.
The A220s are steadily replacing QantasLink’s long-serving fleet of Boeing 717s as part of the Qantas Group’s domestic fleet renewal program. This aircraft is already operating on flights between Melbourne and Hobart and will begin operating flights between Sydney and Launceston from late October as the airline draws closer to the retirement of the final Boeing 717 later this month.
QantasLink CEO Rachel Yangoyan said the A220 would provide an improved experience for travellers to and from Launceston. “We are thrilled to bring the new Airbus A220 aircraft to Launceston for the first time today,” said Yangoyan. “We’ve had great feedback from customers on the A220 since it first started flying on our network earlier this year. It offers more space, larger windows, fast Wi-Fi and specially designed seats that will all vastly improve the travelling experience. The size of the aircraft makes it the perfect addition to our fleet that currently operate our routes to the Apple Isle and it’s great to see the A220 now flying to two Tasmanian airports. As Tasmania is the home of ecotourism, there is no better place for this aircraft to fly as it generates fewer emissions per seat that the aircraft it’s replacing.”
Launceston Airport CEO Shane O’Hare said the Airbus A220 is a fantastic aircraft and a game changer for Australia. “We’re delighted to welcome the first service to Launceston. Passengers will notice the larger windows and quieter engines, and our local businesses will benefit from the extra passengers the aircraft can carry. The A220 is incredibly versatile and presents some incredible possibilities for Launceston, so we’re excited to work with Qantas on its introduction to our region and future deployment opportunities.”
Qantas boosting international network
Qantas is boosting its international network with new aircraft and a new destination, as well as schedule changes which will better utilise its fleet and support growing customer demand in key Asia Pacific and US markets. From February 2025, the national carrier will add around 220,000 seats to its international network over 12 months compared to its current schedule. This is made possible by the launch of its new Brisbane – Palau route, the return of two Airbus A380s following maintenance and cabin modifications, as well as the arrival of more next-generation A220 aircraft for QantasLink.
- More seats to the United States: The changes will see Qantas boost capacity to the United States by 13 per cent, offering 30 per cent more premium seats for customers on long-haul flights with the return of more A380s to the network from next August. Customers will benefit from the return of the airline’s Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft to Brisbane, with the option of Premium Economy and more seats when travelling to Los Angeles and Auckland.
- New route from Brisbane to Palau: The national carrier has also today announced it will add Palau to its map for the first time, operating weekly flights from Brisbane to the Pacific Island with its 737 aircraft. The service, known as the ‘Palau Paradise Express’ will operate as part of a contract awarded to Qantas by the Federal Government and will help maintain strong trade and tourism links between Australia and Palau. Qantas customers will also have access to a new leisure destination on the airline’s network, with Palau renowned for its pristine waters, unique marine life and a haven for divers and hikers. The route is expected to commence in the coming months and flights will go on sale in the next few weeks.
- Boost to new Darwin to Singapore route: QantasLink’s new A220 aircraft will make its debut on the international network when the airline commences flying between Darwin and Singapore in March. Originally due to launch with the Embraer E190, the larger 137-seat A220 will operate five times per week, offering over 70,000 seats on the route every year. QantasLink has taken delivery of the first four of 29 A220 jet aircraft, which are steadily replacing its long-serving fleet of Boeing 717s as part of the Qantas Group’s fleet renewal program. With almost double the range of the 717s, the A220 can fly between any two points in Australia and opens opportunities for new short-haul international routes, like Darwin-Singapore. The aircraft is currently operating on a number of domestic and regional routes.
- Changes to Seoul flights: From mid-June 2025, Qantas will cease flying between Sydney and Seoul, while Jetstar will increase flights from four per week to daily. This swap will result in an overall increase in seats between the cities and better serve the strong leisure demand for the route.
Qantas Group International CEO Cam Wallace said: “We’re so excited to be offering our customers more than 220,000 additional seats on our network, a new international destination, and our brand-new A220 aircraft for our Singapore – Darwin flights, which will be the first of its kind to operate out of Singapore. We’re also looking forward to seeing more of our A380s return to the skies and offering more premium seats for customers to book to some of our popular international destinations. As part of our historic fleet renewal program, these changes are about having the right aircraft on the right route and responding to growing customer demand. One of the benefits of our dual brand strategy is the flexibility we have with our combined Qantas and Jetstar fleets.”
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