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QantasLink has launched its first international A220-300 service, with flights from Brisbane to Wellington commencing this week.
Flight QF281 departed Brisbane at 9:13am on Monday on board VH-X4D, touching down in Wellington at 3:11pm local time. Services will operate up to three times per week, replacing the E190s and some 737-800s previously on the route.
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“Today is a significant milestone in our fleet renewal program. Feedback from customers about the A220 has been fantastic and we’re really excited for the aircraft to take off on its first scheduled international route,” QantasLink chief executive, Mark Dal Pra, said.
“Brisbane is an important market for us, and the A220’s size and economics make them a great fit for many of our trans-Tasman and Pacific routes.”
Qantas says its A220s offer a reduced noise footprint and up to 25 per cent less fuel burn than previous-generation aircraft, which Brisbane Airport CEO Gert-Jan de Graaff called “a win for the city and for residents living under flight corridors”.
QantasLink now operates 11 A220s, with the newest, VH-X4K, entering service at the end of 2025.
“This next-generation aircraft is significantly quieter and fuel efficient, giving travellers a more comfortable and sustainable way to fly,” de Graaff said.
“For communities under flight paths, that means quieter arrivals and departures, bringing a noticeable reduction in the day-to-day impact of aircraft noise.”
Wellington Airport has also welcomed the A220, with CEO Matt Clarke describing it as “a state-of-the-art modern aircraft that travellers are going to love”.
“Qantas is Wellington’s leading international airline with six daily services connecting our city to their extensive global network,” he told NZ news site Stuff.
“The brand-new aircraft is a welcome addition to the airline’s 65-year history of serving the Kiwi capital.”
The first international route for QantasLink’s A220s was planned to be Darwin–Singapore, starting 26 October last year, which is currently being flown by 737-800s; it is now unclear when the A220 will be introduced on the service.
Qantas has also this week announced an expansion of its regular service from Brisbane to the Solomon Islands, with Honiara flights to increase from four to five per week as of 29 March.
