The Qantas Group's next-generation Airbus A220 aircraft landed in Tasmania for the first time today, bringing a new level of passenger comfort and sustainability to the Apple Isle.
The inaugural A220-operated Melbourne to Hobart service landed at 11:20am with the Flying Kangaroo today also announcing plans for an all-new Qantas Club at Hobart Airport.
The flight was operated by the QantasLink A220 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.
The Qantas Group's A220s will steadily replace QantasLink's long-serving fleet of Boeing 717s as part of the Qantas Group's domestic fleet renewal program and will operate up to 26 flights per week between Melbourne and Hobart.
The A220 will also begin operating on the Melbourne-Launceston route from 12 November 2024.
The new aircraft is significantly more fuel efficient than previous generation aircraft, with ultra-modern light and bright cabin design with large windows and overhead lockers. With fast free Wi-Fi, specially designed seats and greater sense of space, the A220 offers customers a more comfortable travel experience.
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.
Speaking from Hobart Airport, 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.
"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.
"Their size and economics make them a great fit for many of our Tasmanian routes and this is just the start. We'll continue to add A220 services as we receive additional new aircraft in the coming months and years.
"We're also working closely with Hobart Airport on the plans for a new Qantas Club lounge to upgrade the pre-flight travel experience for customers. Once complete, our customers will be able to enjoy almost double the space and a wider range of local produce."
Key features of the A220 experience include:
- Space for 137 passengers across two cabins, with 10 Business seats in a 2-2 configuration and 127 seats in Economy in a 2-3 configuration.
- The largest windows of any single aisle aircraft and a cabin with a greater sense of space.
- Fast, free Wi-Fi, allowing customers to stay connected, as well as the improved Qantas Entertainment App for streaming content to their own device.
- An integrated personal device holder and USB A and C charging in both Economy and Business; additional wireless charging pad in Business.
- More comfortable Economy seat with extra padding compared with the 717.
- Around 20 per cent more overhead locker space for all customers.
- Reduction in noise footprint of up to 50 per cent and reduction in carbon emissions of 25 per cent per seat compared with the aircraft its replacing.
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