A flying platypus? How about a flying quokka? The Qantas Group is calling on Australians to name its fleet of new A220s as construction on the first of the airline’s new Airbus jets begins.
According to Qantas, Aussies can make six suggestions based around the theme “native wildlife” via a dedicated page on the carrier’s website. The public will then be able to vote on a shortlist of entries before the winning names are revealed.
The flying kangaroo conducted a similar competition to name its B787 fleet in 2017, receiving more than 10,000 submissions.
Qantas has so far ordered 29 A220s for its regional arm, QantasLink. It expects delivery of the first A220 in early 2024, when it will undergo regulatory approvals before joining the QantasLink fleet later that year.
Seven A220s, which burn 28 per cent less fuel than the B717, are expected to be in service by the end of 2024, with delivery set for completion by 2027.
The A220 aircraft will gradually replace QantasLink’s current Boeing 717 fleet, with the first 220 set to fly between Melbourne and Canberra before operating on other regional and domestic routes, most of which will connect smaller airports like Hobart with major hubs such as and Sydney and Brisbane.
With double the range of the 717 (at around 6,000 kms) the A220 will also open up new domestic and short-haul international links, Qantas says.
The first such aircraft to operate in Australia, the QantasLink A220 will feature 10 Business seats and 127 Economy seats.
More comfort for customers
“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,” QantasLink CEO John Gissing said of the start of construction of the first jet in Canada.
“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.”
The order of A220s is part of Qantas’ Project Winton domestic fleet renewal program, unveiled in May 2022.
Aussies can nominate names for the new fleet at qantas.com/a220name by 8 August 2023.
Last week, Qantas hosted 180 travel advisors from across Australia and New Zealand at its Sydney headquarters for the return of its Best of North America Day. Read our exclusive wrap of the event.
In June, Qantas revealed the entire cabin design including a world-first ‘Wellbeing Zone’ for its Project Sunrise A350s.
