PARIS, FRANCE —Airbus A220 order expansion marks Qantas' strategic shift to fuel efficiency and passenger comfort.
The Qantas Group of Australia has successfully confirmed an additional order of nine A220-300 aircraft, bolstering its current pending list for the single-aisle type to 29 units. This updated acquisition falls in line with the group's strategic fleet renewal blueprint announced back in May 2022, a strategy which also encompasses orders for the A321XLR and A350-1000.
The airline declared its ambition to add the extra A220s to its fleet back in February this year and anticipates welcoming its first A220 by the close of 2023. The carrier envisages deploying the aircraft predominantly across its robust domestic route network.
The A220, commended for its application of the latest generation technologies, is cherished for its expansive and less noisy cabin, amplifying passenger comfort. The aircraft offers superior flight range in comparison to its counterparts, marking a revolutionary shift in fuel efficiency and emission reduction.
Primarily designed to accommodate 100-150 passengers, the A220 holds the capacity to cover up to 3,450 nautical miles, translating to approximately 6,400 kilometers. The aircraft, offering unmatched comfort through its class-leading cabin, seat, and window dimensions, is powered by the state-of-the-art Pratt & Whitney GTF engines.
Notably, the A220 is already compliant with up to 50% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) operation, in alignment with Airbus' broader sustainability strategy. The company projects that its entire fleet will be equipped to operate on 100% SAF by the end of the decade.
To date, Airbus has received almost 800 orders for the A220 from 30 distinct customers, out of which 265 have already been fulfilled and are in active service with 16 airlines worldwide.
