The Qantas Group has announced a sweeping trans-Tasman expansion, headlined by its first Airbus A220 international flights and a brand-new Jetstar route linking Brisbane and Queenstown.
The move will add nearly 210,000 extra seats across the Tasman in 2026, giving travel advisors more ways to package competitive air options for clients while strengthening tourism flows between Australia and New Zealand.
From February 2026, Qantas (QF) will roster its newest aircraft, the Airbus A220, onto Brisbane–Wellington services. This marks the first time the type will operate on an international route.
The A220 will initially fly up to three times a week, replacing Embraer E190s and some Boeing 737 services. Qantas highlights that the aircraft is up to 25 per cent more fuel efficient than older types, while offering a refreshed passenger experience with bigger windows, larger overhead lockers and complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi.
Qantas International CEO Cam Wallace says the aircraft already records “some of the highest customer satisfaction scores in the fleet” and will now give international travellers the same upgraded experience.
How does Jetstar’s new route expand ski access?
In June 2026, Jetstar (JQ) will introduce direct Brisbane–Queenstown services, offering Queenslanders a shortcut to world-class ski fields in under four hours.
The three-times weekly flights will run during the June–October snow season using Airbus A320ceo aircraft, delivering more than 17,000 low-fare seats annually. One-way tickets are on sale today from AUD $249.
Jetstar Group CEO Stephanie Tully says the move meets “growing demand for direct, low fares travel from Australia to top international leisure destinations.” She adds the new route is part of Jetstar’s largest-ever Queensland and Tasman expansion.
How much new capacity is coming?
All up, The Qantas Group will add almost 210,000 seats across four routes in 2026:
- Jetstar: Brisbane–Auckland (doubling to twice daily; +99,000 seats), Melbourne–Christchurch (now daily; +26,000 seats), Sydney–Auckland (up to 12 weekly; +79,000 seats).
- Qantas: Sydney–Christchurch (up to two extra weekly flights in Feb–Mar; +5,000 seats).
This builds on previously announced Tasman growth, which includes additional seasonal services and new routes. In total, Qantas Group will fly nearly 800,000 more seats in FY26 compared to the prior year.
KARRYON UNPACKS: This expansion signals renewed trans-Tasman intensity, with Qantas Group doubling down on both premium and budget travellers. For advisors, it’s about sharper selling tools: a new-generation aircraft to spotlight, a direct ski gateway for Queenslanders, and a big lift in seat capacity that underpins confidence in Tasman demand. Expect continued competition across the Tasman in 2026, with clients set to benefit from more choice and potentially sharper fares.
