SYDNEY- Australian flag carrier Qantas (QF) received its inaugural Airbus A220 a few months back, and today (Feb 22, 2024), the airline has disclosed additional information about the aircraft, unveiling interior (cabin) images and specifying when the jet is anticipated to commence its service.
Towards the end of 2021, Qantas made a purchase for 20 Airbus A220s, followed by an additional order for nine more of these jets in the middle of 2023. Let’s delve into the comprehensive details revealed today.
Qantas New A220 Cabins
Qantas plans to configure all its Airbus A220-300s with 137 seats, comprising 10 business class seats and 127 economy class seats. The seat map for Qantas’ Airbus A220-300s is provided below.
The A220 offers a delightful flying experience with its single middle seat per row, modern cabin design featuring large windows, and spacious lavatories.
Furthermore, the Qantas’ A220s will be equipped with Wi-Fi, representing a positive advancement in the airline’s historical offerings.
Business Class of Qantas’s A220
The business class cabin on Qantas’ A220 will encompass 10 seats arranged in a 2-2 configuration, spanning 2.5 rows. The features include:
- 37″ pitch with 5″ recline
- USB-A and USB-C charging ports, along with wireless charging pads
- A six-way adjustable headrest, calf rest, and footrest
- A bottle holder and an extendable cocktail table
- A tray table featuring a built-in tablet holder
Economy Class of Qantas’s A220
The economy class cabin on Qantas’ A220 will feature 127 seats arranged in a 2-3 configuration across 25.5 rows. Anticipated features include:
- 30″ pitch with an 18″ seat width
- USB-A and USB-C charging ports
- A six-way adjustable headrest
- A drop-down tablet holder
Where Will Qantas Fly its A220?
Qantas aims to deploy the Airbus A220 primarily for domestic flights and select short-haul international routes within the Pacific region.
The entry into service of Airbus A220s with Qantas is imminent, with the initial deployment planned from Melbourne (MEL). Commencing on March 1, 2024, the A220 is expected to operate flights to both Brisbane (BNE) and Canberra (CBR).
In the later part of 2024, additional destinations such as Hobart (HBA), Coffs Harbour (CFS), and Launceston (LST) are on the horizon. However, specific schedules for these routes have yet to be published.
Replacing Boeing 717 with A220s
Qantas is set to receive all 29 Airbus A220s within the timeframe leading up to 2027, translating to an approximate monthly delivery rate of one aircraft.
The purpose of these aircraft is to revitalize QantasLink’s fleet, the regional subsidiary of Qantas. Primarily, the A220s will take the place of the Boeing 717s, currently serving as the backbone of QantasLink’s operations.
The transition from the 717 to the A220 underscores the remarkable progress in aviation. The A220 boasts double the range of the 717 while achieving a noteworthy 25% reduction in both fuel consumption and carbon emissions. This represents a significant advancement in the industry.
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