Qantas Group’s A220 lands in Tasmania for first time

The Qantas Group’s inaugural A220 aircraft landed in Tasmania for the first time as part of the QantasLink's Melbourne to Hobart service. The A220s will eventually replace QantasLink’s fleet of Boeing 717s as part of the Qantas Group’s ""domestic fleet renewal program"", and will operate up to 26 flights per week between Melbourne and Hobart. The A220 will begin operating on the Melbourne-Launceston route from November 12, 2024. Qantas and Jetstar have also reached a new long-term commercial agreement with Hobart Airport, which will see Qantas invest in a new lounge. Speaking from Hobart Airport, Qantas Group Executive Andrew Parker said the new aircraft and a new lounge would “significantly improve the travel experience for tens-of-thousands of tourists and locals each year”. “Feedback from customers about the A220 has been fantastic and we’re really excited to be bringing it to Tasmania for the first time,” Parker said. “Tasmania is the home of eco-tourism and there’s no better place to operate our A220 aircraft which generate 25 per cent fewer emissions per seat and 50 per cent less noise than the aircraft that they replace. “Their size and economics make them a great fit for many of our Tasmanian routes and this is just the start. We’ll continue to add A220 services as we receive additional new aircraft in the coming months and years.""