Qantas will be deploy its Airbus A220s on international routes, as part of a wider capacity expansion on its trans-Tasman network.
The Australian carrier will from February 2026 operate the A220-300 on flights between Brisbane and Wellington, replacing its Embraer 190s and Boeing 737-800s that currently operate the route.
The Oneworld operator currently operates its A220s on domestic and regional flights linking main cities on Australia’s east coast. The type is configured to seat 137 passengers in a two-class configuration.
Qantas was to have deployed the A220 on its first international route in March this year, linking Darwin with Singapore. However, those plans were quietly shelved, and the airline is now operating its 737s on the Darwin-Singapore route.
Separately, Qantas low-cost unit Jetstar will be begin operating direct flights between Brisbane and Queenstown in New Zealand from June. The service will operate thrice-weekly with the airline’s A320s.
The route – Jetstar’s fifth new trans-Tasman service this year – is timed for the ski season in New Zealand, according to the airline.
Jetstar will also boost flights on three other trans-Tasman services: Brisbane-Auckland, Melbourne-Christchurch, as well as Sydney-Auckland.
Mainline operator Qantas, meanwhile, will boost capacity between Sydney and Christchurch.
Says Qantas International chief Cam Wallace: “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 an important boost for tourism economies on both sides of the Tasman.”
