Qantas Expands Its Fleet with Nine More Airbus A220-300s

Qantas has finalized an incremental order with Airbus for nine A220-300s, bringing its total backlog for the single-aisle type to 29 aircraft. The order was announced at the Le Bourget air show in Paris on Tuesday June 20.

The Australian carrier had originally selected the A220 as part of a major fleet replacement program which also included orders for the A321XLR and A350-1000. The carrier had announced its intention to order the additional A220s in February this year.

Qantas is set to receive its first A220 by the end of this year and will primarily operate the type on its extensive domestic route network. The A220 offers extended range capabilities compared to other aircraft in its size category and brings a significant reduction in fuel consumption and emissions.

Christian Scherer, Airbus Chief Commercial Officer and Head of Airbus International, stated, “We are pleased to announce this incremental order from Qantas. Best in class, the A220 will be the perfect platform for a domestic network that includes everything from short hops to flights of five hours and beyond. Combining efficiency, comfort, and longer range, the A220 will also contribute from Day 1 to the carrier’s far-reaching Climate Action Plan.”

The A220 is designed specifically for the 100-150 seat segment and boasts the largest cabin, seats, and windows in its class, providing superior comfort for passengers. It is powered by the latest generation Pratt & Whitney GTF engines.

Airbus has received nearly 800 orders from 30 customers for the A220, with 265 already delivered. The A220 is currently in service with 16 airlines worldwide.

Qantas’ order comes during a record-breaking day for Airbus at the Paris Air Show, as it secured the largest-ever single order for airliners from Indian carrier IndiGo for 500 A320-family single-aisle aircraft.

Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, Airbus, Qantas, airwaysmag.com