Qantas Takes Delivery of First A220

The Qantas Group has reached a significant milestone in its fleet modernization efforts by acquiring its first A220 aircraft. This strategic move marks the Australian group as the 20th operator of this new-generation aircraft and heralds a new era for its regional subsidiary, QantasLink.

Named “Minyama Kutjara Tjukurpa” or “The Two Sisters Creation Story,” the newly delivered Airbus A220-300, registered as VH-X4A, features a unique livery inspired by Aboriginal artwork, embodying the rich cultural heritage of Australia.

Inspired by indigenous artwork, the livery tells the story of two sisters traversing vast distances across remote Australia, engaging in sacred singing and dancing. Maringka Baker, a senior Pitjantjatjara artist from Kanpi in South Australia, created the artwork.

Replacing the Boeing 717

The aircraft’s introduction is part of the Qantas Group’s larger order of 29 A220s, aimed at replacing its aging 717 fleet at QantasLink. This replacement is a strategic decision, aligning with the airline’s commitment to regional connectivity and sustainability.

Qantas’ first 717 (Photo: Alec Wilson from Khon Kaen, Thailand, CC BY-SA 2.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0>, via Wikimedia Commons)

The A220 stands out for its efficiency and performance capabilities. It boasts an impressive range, capable of connecting any two points across Australia non-stop. This capability is complemented by a 25% reduction in fuel consumption and carbon emissions compared to previous-generation aircraft, aligning with the growing focus on sustainable aviation practices.

Additionally, the A220’s design, featuring its largest cabin, seats, and windows, promises passengers an enhanced travel experience. The aircraft has 137 seats, with 10 in business and 127 in economy.

Qantas’ enthusiasm for its newest addition was palpable in a recent Twitter update announcing the commencement of the A220’s journey to Australia.

The aircraft stayed at Airbus’ facility in Montréal-Mirabel International Airport for post-production flight testing and equipment installation. It then started a four-leg ferry flight, operating as QF6075, from Mirabel to Vancouver and Honolulu, and then as QF6076 from Fiji (Nadi) before arriving in Sydney next week.

QantasLink’s first A220 delivery on Flightradar24. (Photo: Flightradar24)

As QantasLink prepares to deploy the A220 across its network, passengers and aviation enthusiasts alike can look forward to a new chapter in regional air travel in Australia. The A220s are scheduled to commence service on flights between Melbourne Airport and Canberra Airport.

• Author
• Recent Posts

Vincenzo Claudio Piscopo

Vincenzo graduated in 2019 in Mechanical Engineering with an aeronautical curriculum, focusing his thesis on Human Factors in aircraft maintenance. In 2022 he pursued his master's degree in Aerospace Engineering at the University of Palermo, Italy. He combines his journalistic activities with his work as a Reliability Engineer at Zetalab.

Latest posts by Vincenzo Claudio Piscopo (see all)

• ITA Airways: 2023 Results and 2024 Goals - December 30, 2023
• Wizz Air’s Dynamic December: Milestones And Expansion Across Regions - December 25, 2023
• Qantas Takes Delivery of First A220 - December 16, 2023