Summary
- Qantas has received its first Airbus A220 aircraft, signaling a positive begin to the brand new yr after recent troubles.
- The airline is currently operating evaluation flights for the primary A220.
- The A220 has a two-class layout with an increased range, allowing for nonstop flights to international destinations.
In any case of its well-publicized troubles of late last yr, Qantas is ready to open the brand new yr on a high with its first Airbus A220 launch. The stunningly attractive aircraft arrived in Australia on December 20 and, since then, has been undergoing preparations to bring a complete latest experience to Australian travelers.
A low-key arrival at Qantas HQ
On December 15, 2023, the Qantas Group became the twentieth Airbus A220 operator when it was handed the primary of 29 A220s it has on order. The delivery flight began on the following day at 10:25 when the Airbus A220-300, registered VH-X4A and carrying MSN 55253 departed Montreal Mirabel International Airport (YMX), certain for Sydney, with stopovers in Vancouver, Honolulu and Fiji. The ultimate leg left Fiji’s Nadi International Airport (NAN) at 08:39 on December 20 and, after a 4:26-hour flight, arrived at Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport (SYD) at 12:06 AEDT.
Photo: Qantas
On the day it arrived in Sydney, Easy Flying spoke with Qantas in regards to the plans for the aircraft, and the airline told us it is probably going an official welcoming and launch ceremony shall be held early this yr. The delivery was made under flight QJE6076, and since its arrival, the Airbus A220 has flown 17 flights between December 21, 2023, and January 6, 2024.
A full schedule of evaluation flights as the total launch nears
Every flight but one has originated or terminated at Canberra Airport (CBR), and most have involved prolonged loops, which appear to be training and evaluation flights, just like what latest airline Bonza did with the delivery of its Boeing 737 MAX 8s. Flight QJE6215 departed Canberra Airport at 08:00 and took a winding route out to sea and over Sydney before landing 4:15 hours later at Melbourne Airport (MEL).
Photo: Qantas
The A220s can fly twice the range of the Boeing 717s they’re replacing and might connect any two points across the vast Australian continent with a nonstop flight. The cabin has a two-class layout of 137 seats, including 10 in business class and 127 in economy. With a spread of as much as 3,450 nautical miles (6,390 km), many international destinations shall be well within sight of this new-generation, low-emission airliner.
Have you noticed the brand new A220 yet in its stunning indigenous livery? Tell us your thoughts within the comments.