In a new moment for the Qantas Group and Australian aviation, the first brand-new QantasLink Airbus A220 aircraft has emerged from the paintshop at the Airbus facility in Mirabel, Canada.
The new aircraft is named after the indigenous artwork Minyma Kutjara Tjukurpa – The Two Sisters Creation Story.
This also marks a further step in the Group’s ambitious fleet renewal program, injecting a breath of fresh air into their domestic operations.
The A220 Advantage
QantasLink’s A220 fleet, comprising 29 aircraft, is set to revolutionize the domestic and short-haul international travel landscape.
These cutting-edge planes, with double the range of their Boeing 717 predecessors, promise not only to replace but also expand the narrowbody fleet.
This A220 arrival is the twelfth new aircraft to join the Qantas Group in the last 12 months, showcasing their commitment to staying at the forefront of aviation technology.
The fleet renewal includes Airbus A321LRs for Jetstar and Boeing 787 Dreamliners for Qantas International, all boasting improved fuel efficiency, reduced emissions, and quieter operations.
Crafting the Flying Art Series
One of the most captivating features of the QantasLink A220 is its distinctive Aboriginal paint scheme, a homage to Australia’s rich cultural tapestry.
The aircraft proudly joins the esteemed Flying Art Series, a tradition initiated in 1994 with the iconic Boeing 747 named Wunala Dreaming.
This time, the artwork comes from senior Pitjantjatjara artist Maringka Baker, telling the Dreaming story of two sisters navigating remote Australia.
The intricate livery applied to the A220 is a testament to Airbus’s craftsmanship. Over 100 painters, collaborating with Airbus teams, meticulously reproduced the design using 130 stencils, comprising over 20,000 dots.
This is Airbus’s most complex livery for this aircraft type, underscoring the significance of the Flying Art Series.
A Game-Changer for Regional Travel
Qantas Group CEO, Vanessa Hudson, envisions the A220s as game-changers in domestic and regional travel. With the capability to connect any two cities or towns in Australia, these aircraft promise faster and more convenient travel for both business and leisure.
The introduction of this new fleet type also opens up exciting opportunities for Qantas employees to operate and maintain these state-of-the-art aircraft.
Airbus A220 VH-X4A
The A220, with registration VH-X4A, is poised to undergo post-production test flights and be equipped with Qantas-specific enhancements before officially joining the fleet by the year’s end.
Its maiden routes will link Melbourne and Canberra, with six more A220s slated for delivery by mid-2025, solidifying QantasLink’s commitment to a modern, efficient, and culturally rich aviation experience.
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