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In a momentous stride towards bolstering its fleet, Australia’s leading airline, Qantas Group, has secured a deal to acquire nine additional A220-300 aircraft from aerospace titan Airbus. This bold procurement has ramped Qantas’s backlog for this single-aisle aircraft to a grand total of 29, effectively positioning the carrier at the vanguard of Australia’s air travel market.

The purchase of the A220-300s emerged as a part of Qantas’s primary fleet renovation strategy, which the airline initiated in May 2022. This all-encompassing upgrade includes plans for the A321XLR and A350-1000 aircraft and aligns with the group’s commitment to an elevated flying experience and a greener tomorrow.

Set to receive its first A220 by the close of this year, Qantas has charted plans to primarily employ these new additions to its expansive domestic route network. The A220, a testament to contemporary aviation technology, boasts a more expansive and quieter cabin for amplified comfort. It also claims the ability to fly further than other aircraft in its class, promising a significant reduction in fuel consumption and emissions – a boon for the carrier’s far-reaching Climate Action Plan.

Christian Scherer, the Chief Commercial Officer and Head of Airbus International has expressed his delight about this additional order from Qantas, asserting the aircraft’s suitability for various domestic networks, from short hops to flights of five hours and beyond.

The A220 stands as the epitome of modernity in its size category. Specifically designed to cater to the 100-150 seat segment, the aircraft can cover an impressive range of up to 3,450 nautical miles or 6,400 kilometres. It features its class’s largest cabin, seats, and windows, thus offering passengers superior comfort.

The A220’s power derives from the cutting-edge Pratt & Whitney GTF engines, and like all Airbus aircraft, it can operate with up to 50% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). By 2030, Airbus aims for its entire fleet to be capable of operating with 100% SAF.

Since its inception, the A220 has received close to 800 orders from 30 customers, and 265 aircraft have been delivered to their respective buyers. The A220 is already operational with 16 airlines globally, and with Qantas’s recent procurement, it’s only set to strengthen its presence in the world of aviation.