In a noteworthy advancement of its fleet replacement programme, Australian airline Qantas Group has finalised an order for an additional nine Airbus A220-300 aircraft, bringing its total commitment to this single-aisle model to 29. This incremental order comes after Qantas selected the A220 in May 2022 as part of a significant fleet replacement programme that also included the A321XLR and A350-1000.

The intention to order more A220s was revealed in February this year, further emphasizing Qantas’ trust in the modern and efficient capabilities of this aircraft. The carrier will be welcoming its first A220 at the end of this year, earmarking the type primarily for its extensive domestic route network.

The Airbus A220-300: The Perfect Platform for Domestic Operations

The A220-300 distinguishes itself through the integration of the latest generation technologies and a wider, quieter cabin that offers an enhanced level of comfort. As an aircraft in its size category, it is capable of flying farther than its competitors while also ensuring substantial reduction in fuel consumption and emissions, thanks to its state-of-the-art design.

Christian Scherer, Airbus Chief Commercial Officer and Head of Airbus International, expressed his pleasure at the announcement. He considers the A220 as the best in its class, providing an ideal platform for domestic networks with diverse requirements, ranging from short hops to flights of five hours and beyond. The A220’s combination of efficiency, comfort, and longer range makes it a key player in supporting Qantas’ comprehensive Climate Action Plan.

A220: A Leap Forward in Sustainable Aviation

The Airbus A220 is an exemplar of modern aviation design, specifically catering to the 100-150 seat segment, capable of covering up to 3,450 nautical miles or 6,400 kilometres. Passengers will relish the superior comfort offered by the A220’s spacious cabin, which boasts the largest seats and windows in its class.

The A220’s power comes from the latest generation Pratt & Whitney GTF engines, which contributes to its superior performance. The aircraft is designed with sustainability in mind, already capable of operating with up to 50% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). Airbus has even bolder goals for its fleet, with plans for all its aircraft to be capable of running on 100% SAF by 2030.

So far, Airbus has received nearly 800 orders from 30 customers for the A220, and 265 have been delivered. The A220 is currently in service with 16 airlines worldwide, solidifying its position as a reliable and efficient workhorse in modern aviation.