Townsville Airport has welcomed a new generation of aircraft, with the first QantasLink Airbus A220 touching down from Brisbane this morning.

The arrival marks the introduction of the A220 to QantasLink services in and out of Townsville, supplementing the airline’s E190 aircraft on the route and delivering a more modern and comfortable flying experience for customers travelling between North Queensland and Brisbane.

The new aircraft offer a quieter cabin, larger windows and improved overhead storage, alongside enhanced onboard technology designed to improve passenger comfort and efficiency. They also burn less fuel and generate fewer emissions than previous generation aircraft.

Townsville Airport General Manager Arron McLean the arrival of the A220 was a positive milestone for the region.

“From today, QantasLink will operate the Airbus A220 on its Townsville-Brisbane services three times a day,” Mr McLean said.

“More than one million passengers travel between Townsville and Brisbane route each year, so introducing this next‑generation aircraft provides customers with more choice while adding capacity on our busiest route.

“It is also a clear signal of the airline’s confidence in the long‑term strength of the Townsville region.”

The Qantas Group has ordered 29 Airbus A220 aircraft as part of its broader domestic fleet renewal program, supporting the introduction of next‑generation aircraft across its domestic network, more information here.