Qantas Group Airbus A220 aircraft flights between Wellington and Brisbane started today, opening up the possibility of new transtasman routes when the airline gets more of the planes.
The aircraft will fly up to three times a week between WLG and BNE, the first time it has been used on international routes.
There are 137 seats with 10 in business in a 2-2 configuration and 127 in economy with a 2-3 layout. Seat pitch in business is 37 inches with a 5-inch recline. In economy pitch is 30 inches and width is 18 inches. T here’s free wifi, useful as there is no seat back entertainment. QF says there’s an integrated personal device holder and USB A and C charging in both economy and business, with additional wireless charging pads in business.
. . . Fleet Upgrade
The aircraft will replace Embraer planes and some 737 flights on the route. QF has 29 A220s on order and QantasLink has been using the 11 already delivered on Australian domestic routes.
“The A220 also has a longer range than the aircraft it is replacing, creating more route possibilities and travel options as the fleet grows,’’ QF said today. The highly efficient planes could be used to link smaller centres across the Tasman as part of its expansion into this country.
Compared to previous generation aircraft, it offers up to 50% noise footprint reduction and up to 25% less fuel burn. “Wellington is an important market for us and the A220’s size and economics make them a great fit for many of our transtasman and Pacific routes,” says QantasLink ceo Mark Dal Pra.
. . . Win for WLG
QF is WLG’s biggest international customer with six daily services to Australia and beyond on the airline’s global network.
WLG ceo Matt Clarke says passengers would love the state-of-the-art aircraft. “We’re thrilled to host the first Qantas international A220 service.’’
Associate Transport Minister James Meager says the decision to introduce the A220, which has a list price of around USD91 million, provides a strong vote of confidence in New Zealand and the aviation sector.
“Investments like this help keep our country competitive, well-connected, and open for new opportunities.”
