Qantas advances fleet modernization with Airbus A220-300, set for 2024 debut.
Qantas Group's inaugural Airbus A220-300 is in the midst of assembly at the manufacturer's facility in Mirabel, Canada, marking a milestone in the Australian aviation scene.
Key components including the center and rear fuselage are currently being integrated, with the aircraft's completion slated for the end of 2023, according to Qantas. This will be the first time the A220-300 model graces Australian skies, necessitating a thorough regulatory review before it is integrated into QantasLink's regional fleet in early 2024. Moreover, QantasLink pilots are already in the process of undergoing comprehensive training to operate this new model.
The Airbus A220-300 is set to debut its service on the Melbourne-Canberra route. Future units of the same model will link smaller urban areas to Australia's primary aviation hubs in Brisbane, Melbourne, and Sydney.
Qantas has placed orders for a total of 29 A220-300s. The original purchase of 20 units was made in 2022, with an additional nine confirmed at the Paris Air Show in June. There's also an option for Qantas to further expand their fleet with more of these aircraft.
By the close of 2024, Qantas anticipates having seven A220-300s operational, with the full order of 29 aircrafts to be in service by 2027. Outfitted with 10 business-class and 127 economy-class seats, the A220-300 will gradually replace QantasLink's existing Boeing 717 fleet. This aircraft is powered solely by Pratt & Whitney PW1500G engines.
