QANTAS: Aircraft update including A220s interiors

Along with the financials, showing a drop in profitability for the half year of 13% from the record post-pandemic profits of last year, Qantas has revealed the interior of its new A220 jets.

No real surprises here.

New A220 for QantasLink

The first two of a total of 29 Airbus A220s have arrived. They are set to replace the Boeing 717s currently in service.

Initially, the A220s will fly on low-demand routes between cities on the east coast, like between Canberra and Brisbane, Hobart and Melbourne. The aircraft will also service regional cities like Coffs Harbour and Launceston. These new jets double the range Qantas had with the old 717s. That allows them to travel coast to coast, and even to some offshore options.

The A220 is configured for 137 passengers in two cabins of 10 Business seats in a 2-2 configuration and 127 Economy seats in a 2-3 configuration. The aircraft has large windows, WiFi, device holders, USB charging (A and C) plus charging pads in Business Class. Qantas claims the economy seating is more padded and comfortable than in the B717s. There is also more storage (up to a claimed 20%), with reductions in noise (up to 50%) and carbon emissions (25%).

Flights are on sale from today (22 February 2023) for travel starting on 1 March 2024. Routes are Melbourne-Canberra and in July Melbourne-Brisbane. From October 2024 Melbourne-Hobart and from October 2024, and Melbourne-Launceston from November 2024 with additional aircraft.

Book these now, and you can take advantage of the Double Status Credits offer.

Below are some images of the Business and economy cabins of the Qantas A220

2PAXfly Takeout

These interiors accord with the David Caon design language promulgated in lounges and remodelled interiors. They take advantage of the improvements in materials and engineering available. The proof will be in the travelling, I suppose. Will the comfort, noise, and ambience promised be delivered?