QantasLink Launches Airbus A220 in Launceston, Elevating Regional Air Travel Experience

(IN SHORT) QantasLink has introduced its new Airbus A220 aircraft to Launceston, making it the first regional city outside of Australia’s capitals to receive this modern plane. The inaugural flight, operated by the A220 named “Koala,” landed at 10:40 AM on October 14, 2024. This aircraft is designed to replace the older Boeing 717 fleet and features enhanced fuel efficiency, a modern cabin with larger windows, and increased overhead storage. Passengers will enjoy improved comfort and amenities, including fast Wi-Fi and specially designed seating. The A220 is part of Qantas’ strategy to offer sustainable travel options, with lower emissions suited for Tasmania’s ecotourism focus. Local officials, including Launceston Airport CEO Shane O’Hare, welcomed the new aircraft, highlighting its potential to enhance passenger experience and boost local business.

(PRESS RELEASE) Launceston, Australia, 2024-Oct-15— /Travel PR News/ — In an exciting development for Launceston, QantasLink has introduced its state-of-the-art Airbus A220 aircraft to the city, marking it as the first regional location outside of Australia’s capital cities to receive this modern aircraft. The inaugural flight, operated by the QantasLink A220 named “Koala,” landed at 10:40 AM today. This aircraft is the second of its kind to join the QantasLink fleet this year, with a total of four A220s currently in operation and a fifth set to arrive in November.

The Airbus A220 boasts enhanced fuel efficiency compared to older models, alongside a contemporary cabin design featuring larger windows and approximately 20% more overhead storage space. With specially designed seating and a greater sense of openness, passengers can expect a significantly more comfortable travel experience.

As part of the Qantas Group’s domestic fleet renewal strategy, the A220s are gradually replacing the long-standing Boeing 717 fleet. Currently, the A220 operates on flights connecting Melbourne and Hobart and will soon serve routes between Sydney and Launceston starting late October, as the airline prepares to retire its final Boeing 717 later this month.

Rachel Yangoyan, CEO of QantasLink, expressed her enthusiasm about bringing the A220 to Launceston, stating, “We are delighted to introduce the Airbus A220 to Launceston today. Feedback from customers has been overwhelmingly positive since its initial rollout, highlighting its spaciousness, larger windows, fast Wi-Fi, and specially designed seats that enhance the overall travel experience.”

Yangoyan also noted the aircraft’s suitability for routes serving Tasmania, a hub for ecotourism, emphasizing its lower emissions compared to the outgoing fleet. “This makes the A220 an ideal fit for our services, contributing to sustainable travel,” she added.

Shane O’Hare, CEO of Launceston Airport, lauded the A220 as a transformative addition for Australian aviation. “We’re thrilled to see the first service arrive in Launceston. The A220’s larger windows and quieter engines will enhance passenger experience, and local businesses will benefit from the increased passenger capacity,” he remarked. O’Hare looks forward to collaborating with Qantas on future opportunities presented by this versatile aircraft.

Key specifications of the A220 include:

• Capacity for 137 passengers across two cabins, with 10 Business class seats arranged in a 2-2 layout and 127 Economy seats in a 2-3 configuration.
• The largest windows among single-aisle aircraft and an airy cabin feel.
• Fast, complimentary Wi-Fi, enabling passengers to stay connected, along with the improved Qantas Entertainment App for streaming content on personal devices.
• Integrated device holders and USB-A and C charging ports in both cabins, plus an additional wireless charging pad in Business class.
• Enhanced Economy seating with increased padding compared to the 717.
• Approximately 20% additional overhead storage for all passengers.
• A noise footprint reduction of up to 50% and a 25% decrease in carbon emissions per seat compared to the outgoing aircraft.

For more details, please refer to the fact sheet.

Media Contact:

email: qantasmedia@qantas.com.au

Source: Qantas

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