Qantas’ new aircraft lands in Aussie hotspot

Qantas has made a “historic” touchdown in this Aussie hotspot as the carrier gears up to bring more “game-changing” aircraft to the country.

Qantas has made a “historic” touchdown in the Apple Isle, as the carrier brings its “game-changing” new aircraft further south in to Tasmania.

Taking to the skies from Melbourne and into Hobart on Monday, the Airbus A220 is the second of 29 to be rolled out by 2027 – marking the first time one has flown to Tasmania.

The first two of the A220s took flight from Melbourne to Canberra and Melbourne to Brisbane earlier this year, with a third set to be brought into the airline’s rotation this month. The aircraft will be used on routes out of Melbourne to Coffs Harbour and Launceston later this year.

The new A220 has a string of new features, most notably the reduced noise for passengers. Picture: Steve Watts

It's the furthest south the new Airbus A220 has travelled for the airline. Picture: Steve Watts

Set to replace the ageing Boeing 717s, which have been used by the QantasLink fleet for key regional and intercity routes over the years, the flashy new A220 offers a string of improved customer experiences.

From roomier and comfier seats (thanks to extra cushioning), faster Wi-Fi, bigger overhead compartments for baggage and much larger windows – these aircraft allow for the cabin environment to feel bigger, brighter and better than the 717.

It landed in the hotspot on Monday.

It fits 137 passengers with 10 business class seats and 127 economy class seats, and brings improvements in emissions and notable noise reduction for passengers as well.

One of the biggest things to note for passengers is the continued move away from seatback screens. Instead, passengers will be pushed to use the free Wi-Fi and their own device for in-flight entertainment.

However, the A220’s design means there’s integrated personal device holders on all 137 seats, with flip-down cradles, anti-slip mats, and USB A and C charging stations.

At the front of the plane, the slightly larger business class seats also include adjustable tablet grips and wireless charging pads so you’re not scrambling with the annoyance of cords.

The A220s will steadily replace QantasLink’s long-serving fleet of Boeing 717s.

Previously, Qantas CEO Vanessa Hudson hinted that the rollout of the new Airbus would potentially open up new routes the airline couldn’t achieve with the Boeing aircraft.

With the new A220s having twice the range of the Boeing 717s, Ms Hudson said in February that the rollout will open up “new domestic routes … that may not have been commercially viable before”.

“These aircraft have the potential to change the way our customers travel across the country, with the ability to connect any two cities or towns in Australia,” she said at the time.

The launch of the A220 in March with first flights between Melbourne and Canberra and Melbourne and Brisbane marked the start of the biggest domestic fleet renewal program in Qantas’ history as the Group takes delivery of one new aircraft every three weeks on average over the next few years.

It fits 137 passengers across 10 business class seats and 127 economy class seats. Picture: Supplied.

Meanwhile, the flight into Hobart on Monday was operated by the aircraft named Minyma Kutjara Tjukurpa that features the artwork of senior Pitjantjatjara artist Maringka Baker and depicts the Dreaming story of two sisters who traverse remote Australia together, covering vast distances to find their way home.

Qantas and Jetstar have also reached a new long-term commercial agreement with Hobart Airport, which will see Qantas invest in a new lounge. Expected to open in 2027, the new Qantas Club will have almost double the current capacity and showcase Tasmanian produce.

Qantas Group executive Andrew Parker said the new aircraft and a new lounge would significantly improve the travel experience for tens-of-thousands of tourists and locals each year.

The new aircraft landed in Hobart on Monday. Picture: Steve Watts.

“Feedback from customers about the A220 has been fantastic and we’re really excited to be bringing it to Tasmania for the first time,” Mr Parker said.

“Tasmania is the home of eco-tourism and there’s no better place to operate our A220 aircraft which generate 25 per cent fewer emissions per seat and 50 per cent less noise than the aircraft that they replace.”