The major airframe components for Qantas Group’s first Airbus A220 are on the assembly line in Mirabel, Canada, with the first of 29 aircraft expected in Australia by the end of 2023. With production in full swing, Australians are invited to help name the new fleet.
On Wednesday (July 12, 2023), Qantas announced that the major airframe components of their first Airbus A220, including the centre and rear fuselage, are now coming together on the Airbus assembly line in Mirabel, Canada. The first of 29 A220s on order is expected to arrive in Australia by the end on 2023, and will undergo regulatory approvals, airport readiness and training activities before joining the QantasLink fleet in early 2024. Gradually, the new A220s will replace QantasLink’s aging Boeing 717 fleet.
In Wednesday’s announcement, QantasLink’s CEO, John Gissing, said,
“The A220 represents the next generation in our domestic fleet in terms of passenger comfort, aircraft range and opportunities for our people, so seeing the first aircraft starting to take shape is incredibly exciting. It won’t be long until we need to paint the name on the side of these aircraft, and we want all Australians to help us choose what we call them. Our aircraft names have always celebrated what’s special about Australia, from its places, and pioneers to its natural wonders.
“Continuing that tradition, we’re naming our A220 fleet after Australia’s unique and rare wildlife. Whether it’s a frilled-neck lizard or feathertail glider, an echidna or emu, we want Australians to help choose some names that showcase some of our country’s favourite native animals, in addition to the one already on the tail, reflecting the diversity and colour of this wonderful place they call home.”
QantasLink's First Airbus A220 on the Assembly Line in Mirabel, Canada - Courtesy Qantas
Australians interested in helping to name Qantas’ new A220 fleet can nominate up to six names by clicking here. A shortlist will later be published so the public can vote for their favorite choices before the final names are revealed. In 2017, Qantas ran a similar contest to name their Boeing 787 Dreamliner fleet with iconic Australian names and received over 10,000 submissions. A total of seven A220s are expected to enter service with the Group by the end of 2024, with all 29 to join the fleet by 2027. QantasLink’s A220s will be configured for 137 passengers with 10 Business Class and 127 Economy Class seats. With a range of over 3,240 nautical miles (6,000 km), the A220 offers almost double the range of the Boeing 717, and also delivers a 28 percent reduction in fuel burn per seat versus the B717.
Source: Qantas