Qantas, the national airline of Australia, has ordered nine Airbus A220-300S aircraft. The order, which was announced on June 20, 2023, the second day of Paris Airshow, is worth $600 million. The A220-300S is a smaller variant of the A220-300 aircraft. It has a capacity of 130 passengers and a range of 2,300 nautical miles.
Qantas plans to use the A220-300S aircraft to replace its fleet of Boeing 717 aircraft. The 717s are due to be retired from Qantas's fleet in 2024. The A220-300S is a more fuel-efficient and environmentally friendly aircraft than the 717. It is also quieter, which will make it more appealing to passengers.
The first A220-300S aircraft is expected to be delivered to Qantas in 2024. The aircraft will be used to operate regional flights in Australia and New Zealand. The order for nine A220-300S aircraft is part of Qantas's $15 billion investment in its fleet over the next decade. The airline is also planning to order 20 Airbus A321XLR aircraft and 12 Airbus A350 aircraft.
The investment in new aircraft is part of Qantas's plan to improve its efficiency and reduce its carbon emissions. The airline is also planning to invest in new technologies, such as sustainable aviation fuels, to further reduce its environmental impact. Qantas's order for nine A220-300S aircraft is a positive development for the Australian aviation industry. The order will support local jobs and help to ensure that Qantas remains a competitive force in the global aviation market.