QantasLink’s two new Airbus A220 aircraft are today taking off for their first commercial flights, heralding a new era of domestic and regional travel for Australians. 

The airline has taken delivery of the first two of 29 A220 jet aircraft, which will steadily replace its long-serving fleet of Boeing 717s as part of the Qantas Group’s domestic fleet renewal program.  

The inaugural Melbourne to Canberra service, QF1266, departed this morning. The A220 will also today commence operating select flights on the Melbourne-Brisbane route. 

The aircraft is significantly more fuel efficient than previous generation aircraft. Its ultra-modern light and bright cabin design with large windows and overhead lockers, specially designed seats and greater sense of space offers a more comfortable flight for customers. 

With almost double the range of the 717s, the A220 can fly between any two points in Australia and to several offshore destinations, creating new route options in future. 

These next-generation aircraft are going to make a real difference for customers travelling across the Qantas network with more comfortable seats and cabin, offering a greater sense of space and fast and free Wi-Fi for every customer. 

The aircraft are also quieter and generate up to 25 per cent fewer carbon emissions, which is critical as Qantas works towards our net zero target. 

The third A220 is currently in production at Airbus’ facility in Mirabel, Canada, and is due to be delivered in June. 

Another four A220s are scheduled to be delivered by mid-2025. As more aircraft are delivered, the A220 will be deployed across other existing routes including Melbourne-Hobart from July, Melbourne-Coffs Harbour from October and Melbourne-Launceston from November.

Key features of the A220 experience include:  

• Space for 137 passengers across two cabins, with 10 Business seats in a 2-2 configuration and 127 seats in Economy in a 2-3 configuration.  
• The largest windows of any single aisle aircraft and a cabin with a greater sense of space. 
• Fast, free Wi-Fi, allowing customers to stay connected, as well as the improved Qantas Entertainment App for streaming content to their own device. 
• An integrated personal device holder and USB A and C charging in both Economy and Business; additional wireless charging pad in Business.  
• More comfortable Economy seat with extra padding compared with the 717. 
• Around 20 per cent more overhead locker space for all customers. 
• Reduction in noise footprint of up to 50 per cent and reduction in carbon emissions of 25 per cent.  

(Please see factsheet at the bottom of the page for more information.) Photos and vision of the QantasLink A220 are available here.