QantasLink to Introduce A220s on Adelaide–Brisbane Route

QantasLink, the regional airline arm of Australia’s flag carrier Qantas Group, will introduce Airbus A220-300 aircraft to its Adelaide–Brisbane route beginning 3 March 2026, marking the first deployment of the type in South Australia’s aviation market. 

The announcement follows schedule filings and carrier confirmations that the A220 will progressively replace smaller Embraer E190 regional jets on the capital-city link, bringing more seats, onboard connectivity and a modern cabin environment to one of QantasLink’s busiest trunk routes. 

Operationally, the A220-300 offers improved economics compared with the E190, with a typical 138-seat layout that supports higher passenger throughput. QantasLink estimates the up-gauge could add up to 100,000 additional seats annually on the Adelaide network, addressing both business and leisure demand on this strategically important domestic airport pair. 

The A220’s introduction is part of Qantas Group’s broader fleet renewal programme. By December 2025, the airline had taken delivery of 11 A220s, with further aircraft expected by mid-2026 to support additional network expansion and capacity adjustments. The type has already been integrated on several domestic sectors across Australia under the QantasLink brand. 

Passengers on the Adelaide–Brisbane sector will benefit from features associated with the next-generation aircraft, including larger overhead bins, modern cabin interiors and complimentary onboard Wi-Fi — a notable step up from the experience on E190 aircraft. 

Adding the A220 also aligns with capacity planning trends among Australian carriers where modern narrowbody jets are leveraged to balance frequency and seat count on regional and trunk city pairs. The A220’s range and fuel-efficiency characteristics allow carriers to optimise unit costs while maintaining service levels across competitive domestic markets. 

For Adelaide Airport and its broader catchment, the A220 deployment supports ongoing infrastructure and traffic growth. The airport has been progressing terminal and airfield upgrades to accommodate increasing passenger volumes and fully leveraged aircraft operations, including larger regional jets and narrowbodies. 

Network planners at Qantas Group have also linked the A220 strategy with broader operational goals, including fleet standardisation and timetable resilience through renewals of older regional aircraft types. The pathway from legacy Embraer and turboprop equipment to A220s reflects an industry-wide shift to more efficient platforms that can serve both domestic and near-international markets.

for load-factor performance and schedule optimisation, with subsequent adjustments planned for peak travel periods and beyond. Enhanced aircraft utilisation outcomes are expected to emerge from the type’s operational flexibility and fuel efficiency, particularly as domestic travel demand in Australia continues to grow.