Qantas’ new A220 makes its 1st international flight on Brisbane–Wellington route
February 2, 2026
Qantas has marked a major milestone in its fleet renewal program, with the airline’s new Airbus A220 operating its first scheduled international service today on the Brisbane–Wellington route.
The next-generation narrowbody, operated by QantasLink, will serve the trans-Tasman route up to three times per week, offering a quieter cabin than its predecessor, improved onboard comfort, and modern connectivity features.
A new trans-Tasman aircraft for Qantas passengers
Qantas says the Airbus A220 delivers a noticeable improvement in onboard experience, including a two-cabin layout designed by David Caon and a seat configuration aimed at balancing comfort and efficiency on short international sectors.
The Qantas A220 has a seating capacity of 137 passengers, in two cabin classes:
- 10 business class seats in a 2-2 configuration
- 127 economy seats in a 2-3 configuration
The aircraft’s larger windows and higher ceilings make the A220 cabin feel more spacious. The new David Caon design introduces materials and colours selected to create a bright and calm environment for longer flights.
Qantas A220 business class seats
Qantas has designed a thoughtful business class cabin in muted colours with a high-end feel. The cabin features:
- 37” seat pitch | 5” recline
- Wireless charging pad
- 6-way adjustable headrest,
- calf rest and footrest
- Dual USB A & C charging ports
- Bottle holder
- An arm tray table with a built-in tablet holder
- Extendable cocktail table
- Leather covers
Qantas A220 economy class seats
The economy cabin stays with the muted brown palette but shifts from leather to upholstery for the most part. As well as the A220’s popular 2-3 seating configuration, passengers will find in this cabin:
- 30” seat pitch
- 18” seat width (wider than the 717)
- Customised woven fabric covers with piping
- Extra seat cushioning for greater comfort
- Leather 6-way adjustable headrest
- Dual USB A & C charging ports
- Drop-down tablet holder with anti-slip mat
- Adjustable meal table
A220 passengers get fast, free WiFi
Qantas offers several passenger experience enhancements that are increasingly expected—even on shorter flights—such as in-flight connectivity and power options.
Passengers on the Qantas A220 can access the airline’s fast, free WiFi provided by Viasat‘s satellite services.
Brisbane Airport highlights noise and sustainability benefits of the Airbus A220
Alongside passenger upgrades, Qantas’ A220 offers operational and environmental benefits over previous-generation aircraft, with a reduced noise footprint and up to 25% lower fuel burn.
Brisbane Airport CEO Gert-Jan Graaff said Qantas operating the A220 internationally from Brisbane is “a win for the city,” pointing to the aircraft’s quieter operations and fuel efficiency.
“For communities under flight paths, that means quieter arrivals and departures, bringing a noticeable reduction in the day-to-day impact of aircraft noise,” Graaff said.
Qantas calls A220 international debut a key fleet renewal milestone
QantasLink CEO Mark Dal Pra said the flight represents an important step in the carrier’s plans to expand the A220 across more routes.
“Today is a significant milestone in our fleet renewal program,” Dal Pra said, adding that customer feedback on the new aircraft has been “fantastic.”
Dal Pra also highlighted Brisbane as a strategic market for the airline, noting the A220’s “size and economics” make it a strong fit for trans-Tasman and Pacific flying.
Qantas says QantasLink has now received its 11th A220, with four more expected to join the fleet by mid-year.
The aircraft’s range is also positioned to enable additional route growth, giving Qantas greater flexibility to launch new services as the A220 fleet expands.
More Brisbane growth for Qantas: Honiara flights to increase
The international debut of the A220 also comes as Qantas continues to expand its operations at Brisbane. The airline also announced an increase in its Brisbane–Honiara (Solomon Islands) service from 4 to 5 flights per week, beginning 29 March 2026. That route is operated by an Embraer 190, providing an additional international connection from Queensland’s capital.
Featured Image: Qantas
