The very first QantasLink Airbus A220 has made its debut, emerging in pristine condition from Airbus’ Mirabel production center in Canada.
This state-of-the-art aircraft, scheduled to touch down in Australia in the coming weeks, leads the delivery of 29 A220s as part of Qantas Group’s extensive domestic fleet renewal initiative. This strategic program is designed to phase out the aging Boeing 717s, enhancing both capacity and efficiency across the network.
The technologically advanced A220s will gradually take over routes previously served by the Boeing 717, providing QantasLink with the flexibility to launch new domestic and regional international routes thanks to the A220’s impressive range—almost twice that of its predecessor.
With this delivery, Qantas Group continues its rapid fleet modernization, having recently introduced eight Airbus A321LRs for Jetstar and three Boeing 787 Dreamliners for Qantas International. In the next year, travelers can look forward to the inaugural Airbus A321XLR joining Qantas Domestic, reflecting the airline's commitment to sustainability by significantly lowering fuel burn, carbon emissions, and noise footprints versus earlier models.
Constructed over a six-month period at Mirabel, the inaugural QantasLink A220 features wings crafted in the United Kingdom and underwent a meticulous two-week painting process. The result is a breathtaking Aboriginal art livery, marking the sixth installment in the airline’s celebrated Flying Art Series, which has honored First Nations culture since 1994.
This visually stunning design was curated by Balarinji in close partnership with Indigenous artists, featuring the creative vision of Pitjantjatjara artist Maringka Baker. Her piece, "Minyma Kutjara Tjukurpa – The Two Sisters Creation Story," is rendered through more than 20,000 hand-applied dots, 130 unique stencils, and the expertise of over 100 specialist painters—earning the title of Airbus’ most intricate A220 livery to date.
Vanessa Hudson, CEO of Qantas Group, emphasized how the introduction of the A220 will redefine the domestic and regional travel experience, delivering elevated comfort for passengers and opening new professional pathways within the airline.
Registered as VH-X4A, the aircraft will now undergo comprehensive post-production checks and fit-out with Qantas-specific interiors before its official handover. It will then make its journey from Quebec to Australia, initially operating between Melbourne and Canberra. QantasLink anticipates receiving six more A220s by mid-2025, solidifying its position at the forefront of regional aviation innovation.
QantasLink A220 Highlights
- The QantasLink A220 accommodates 137 guests, featuring a premium two-class cabin with 10 Business Class seats
- Business Class consists of 10 plush, reclining seats arranged in a 2-2 layout across two full rows and a third partial row, ensuring both privacy and accessibility
- The A220 fleet will primarily link smaller capitals such as Canberra and Hobart to major gateways in Brisbane, Melbourne, and Sydney
- With a range exceeding 6,000 kilometers—almost double that of the Boeing 717—the A220 can connect any two cities in Australia while using 25% less fuel and producing significantly lower CO2 emissions than older aircraft
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