Qantas reveals first Airbus A220 international service
September 11, 2025
Qantas will operate its Airbus A220-300 on international services for the first time next year, with the aircraft set to launch on the Brisbane–Wellington route from February 2026.
The development forms part of what the Australian flag carrier calls a major trans-Tasman expansion that also includes a new Jetstar service from Brisbane to Queenstown and hundreds of thousands of additional seats to New Zealand.
Airbus A220 augments Qantas’ short-haul fleet
The A220, which will initially operate up to three times per week, replaces Embraer E190s and some Boeing 737s currently deployed on the route.
The type offers significantly improved fuel efficiency and a modernised, brighter cabin, with larger windows and overhead lockers, and Wi-Fi.
QantasLink is gradually phasing out its Boeing 717s as the airline brings the Airbus A220 into service under the Qantas Group’s domestic fleet renewal strategy.
Double the range of the 717
With almost double the range of the 717s, the A220 can fly between any two points in Australia and to several offshore destinations, creating new route options for Qantas.
The aircraft is configured to carry 137 passengers, offering 10 Business seats in a 2-2 layout and 127 Economy seats arranged 2-3 across.
Qantas Group currently has seven Airbus A220-300 aircraft in its fleet, from an order of 29.
The inaugural service, QF1266 from Melbourne to Canberra, operated in March 2024.
Alongside the A220 announcement, Jetstar will introduce a new nonstop Brisbane–Queenstown service from June 2026, operating three times a week during the ski season.
Using an A320ceo aircraft, the service will provide more than 17,000 seats annually.
Lifting capacity across the region
Capacity is also being lifted across several existing city pairs.
Jetstar will double Brisbane–Auckland to twice daily, increase Melbourne–Christchurch to a daily year-round service, and add frequencies on Sydney–Auckland.
Combined, these routes contribute more than 200,000 extra seats next year.
Qantas will also grow its Sydney–Christchurch operation with additional services in February and March.
“Today marks a significant milestone for the Qantas Group across the trans-Tasman, with our A220 aircraft making its debut on the Qantas international network and both airlines adding hundreds of thousands of seats, including a brand-new route for Jetstar,” said Qantas International CEO Cam Wallace.
“The A220 is our newest aircraft and has some of the highest customer satisfaction scores in the fleet, so we’re particularly excited to be offering the experience to customers travelling internationally from Brisbane-Wellington next year.
“2025 has been a huge year of growth already for the Qantas Group in New Zealand, and this latest expansion will provide even more choice and convenience for customers, as well as an important boost for tourism economies on both sides of the Tasman.”
Growing demand for air travel in Australia
Jetstar Group CEO Stephanie Tully added: “Queenslanders and New Zealanders now have even more ways to connect, with the launch of our new flights between Brisbane and Queenstown.
“This new route reflects the growing demand for direct, low fares travel from Australia to top international leisure destinations.
“This is the fifth trans-Tasman service Jetstar has launched or announced this year – and our seventh new international route out of Queensland – making 2025 Jetstar’s biggest Queensland and Tasman expansion yet.
“We’re working closely with the New Zealand Government to manage rising costs in the market and thank them for their commitment to ensuring sustainable growth for air travel to and within New Zealand – providing more choice for customers.
