AUSTRALIA – In a significant development for the Qantas Group’s fleet renewal program, the construction of the first Airbus A220 aircraft has commenced. This marks a crucial milestone for the Group as it progresses with its fleet modernization efforts. The aircraft will also become the first A220 to enter the Australian aviation sector.
The major airframe components of the aircraft, including the centre and rear fuselage, are currently being assembled at Airbus’ production facility in Mirabel, Canada.
The delivery of the initial batch of 29 A220 aircraft to Australia is expected to take place before the year-end.
QantasLink Fleet Induction in 2024
Following its arrival, the first A220 will undergo regulatory approvals, airport readiness procedures, and training activities, with the plan for it to join the QantasLink fleet in early 2024.
In preparation for the introduction of the new aircraft, QantasLink has already commenced pilot training programs.
The introduction of the next-generation A220s is set to gradually replace the existing Boeing 717 fleet operated by QantasLink on various routes across Australia.
“The A220 represents the next generation in our domestic fleet in terms of passenger comfort, aircraft range, and opportunities for our people, so seeing the first aircraft starting to take shape is incredibly exciting.”
QantasLink CEO John Gissing
Australian Regional Operations
The first QantasLink A220 will be utilized for flights between Melbourne and Canberra, and subsequent aircraft will be deployed on other regional and domestic network routes.
With twice the range of the Boeing 717, the A220 is poised to open up new possibilities for domestic and short-haul international routes as more of these aircraft enter the fleet.
With production now in full swing, the Qantas Group has launched a campaign inviting Australians to contribute to the naming of its new A220 fleet.
Naming the Aircraft
The theme chosen for the naming competition is “native wildlife.” Starting today, individuals have the opportunity to nominate up to six names through a dedicated page on the Qantas website.
Following the nomination phase, a shortlist will be released, allowing the public to vote for their favorite names. Finally, the chosen names will be unveiled.
Qantas previously organized a similar competition in 2017 to name its Boeing 787 Dreamliner fleet, which resulted in more than 10,000 submissions. This time, the airline aims to continue its tradition of celebrating Australia’s uniqueness by naming its A220 fleet after the country’s native and rare wildlife.
The CEO of QantasLink, John Gissing, expressed his excitement about reaching this production milestone and emphasized the significance of the A220 in terms of passenger comfort, extended aircraft range, and opportunities for the airline’s employees.
“It won’t be long until we need to paint the name on the side of these aircraft, and we want all Australians to help us choose what we call them,” said Gissing. “Our aircraft names have always celebrated what’s special about Australia, from its places and pioneers to its natural wonders.”
“Continuing that tradition, we’re naming our Airbus A220 fleet after Australia’s unique and rare wildlife. Whether it’s a frilled-neck lizard or feathertail glider, an echidna or emu, we want Australians to help choose some names that showcase some of our country’s favorite native animals, in addition to the one already on the tail, reflecting the diversity and color of this wonderful place they call home.”