QantasLink Airbus A220 Discussion

[Beano]

A220 being introduced to the WLG-BNE run with great joy in the local press!

Stuff

www.stuff.co.nz

 

[Groundfeeder]

Not sure if it's been queried prior but my first gig in 4A A220 BNE/MEL is coming up and I noticed on seat map that it may be a bulkhead seat. Any reviews?

 

[Beano]

I had my first flight on an A220. Not really much different to anything else, though wasn't quite sure of the little table for your device. I would think it solves the problem of not having a flap on your case, it you have a case at all.

 

[cpatters]

When will the next batch of A220's be delivered?

 

[MEL_Traveller]

Not sure if it's been queried prior but my first gig in 4A A220 BNE/MEL is coming up and I noticed on seat map that it may be a bulkhead seat. Any reviews?

There’s no bulkheads, just a small perspex divider handing from the ceiling. Legroom is uninterrupted. Those first few rows on the right hand side have additional legroom.

The only sort of unusual thing is that 4AC is only slightly misaligned - slightly behind - 3DF in business class.

Let us know your thoughts on the seat!

 

[elanshin]

Is this relatively new change that they've added a220s for SYD - MEL as well?

 

[vhojm]

Is this relatively new change that they've added a220s for SYD - MEL as well?

View attachment 475614

QF491 changed to QF1289 a month or two ago, I am on 4 times in November/December,

 

[Dantas]

I suspect it’s seasonal. All QF between HBA and MEL/SYD have been A220 since about mid 2024. But two of my upcoming MEL-HBA over Dec/Jan have been changed to 737. Probably to get more capacity over peak periods without having to add another service.

 

[moa999]

QF1289 seems to start 26-Oct 6/wk ex-Sun for 3 weeks for that same late evening flight.

And a similar early morning QF1280 MEL-SYD from 26-Oct ex Sat

 

[markis10]

Seasonal to some extent but also a natural progression of the fleet expansion, as more aircraft arrive.

 

[Beano]

Does this mean that capacity is reduced or are they increasing flights?

 

[moa999]

Seasonal to some extent but also a natural progression of the fleet expansion, as more aircraft arrive.

With first flight up and late flight back, I assume it allows QF to "base' an A220 at SYD for the day.

 

[markis10]

Aero Crew News

Airbus A220 Update: It’s been reported that approximately 15% of the worldwide A220 fleet is currently grounded, with several airlines opting to retire the aircraft from their fleets entirely. The...

www.facebook.com

Airbus A220 Update:
It’s been reported that approximately 15% of the worldwide A220 fleet is currently grounded, with several airlines opting to retire the aircraft from their fleets entirely. The root of the issue lies with the Pratt & Whitney PW1500G geared turbofan engines, which are experiencing more frequent servicing needs due to premature wear and cracking. This is attributed to factors such as contaminated powder metal and corrosion.
These challenges are causing increased maintenance, operational disruptions for airlines, and strained supply chains for replacement parts. An additional 42% of the fleet is expected to be grounded soon as their engines need inspections and maintenance.

VH-X4A has already had three engine changes.

 

[moa999]

Reports that the 8th VH-X4H will be delivered this week.

This article puts the engine grounding issue at 22%. In Oct 2025 - increasing.. suggesting engines are failing quicker than they can fix.

Airbus A220 Engine Woes Ground 22% of Fleet - Live and Let's Fly

New data pegs A220 groundings at roughly 22% while fresh reports suggest far more inspections are looming. Here’s what that means for flyers and airlines.

liveandletsfly.com

 

[Captain Halliday]

Of the things you don’t want to fail on a plane, engines would be right up there!

 

[clifford]

This article puts the engine grounding issue at 22%. In Oct 2025 - increasing.. suggesting engines are failing quicker than they can fix.

Airbus A220 Engine Woes Ground 22% of Fleet - Live and Let's Fly

New data pegs A220 groundings at roughly 22% while fresh reports suggest far more inspections are looming. Here’s what that means for flyers and airlines.

liveandletsfly.com

Perhaps they should've gone RR.

 

[elanshin]

Perhaps they should've gone RR.

A220 (C series) only had one engine type option i thought.

Aero Crew News

Airbus A220 Update: It’s been reported that approximately 15% of the worldwide A220 fleet is currently grounded, with several airlines opting to retire the aircraft from their fleets entirely. The...

www.facebook.com

Airbus A220 Update:
It’s been reported that approximately 15% of the worldwide A220 fleet is currently grounded, with several airlines opting to retire the aircraft from their fleets entirely. The root of the issue lies with the Pratt & Whitney PW1500G geared turbofan engines, which are experiencing more frequent servicing needs due to premature wear and cracking. This is attributed to factors such as contaminated powder metal and corrosion.
These challenges are causing increased maintenance, operational disruptions for airlines, and strained supply chains for replacement parts. An additional 42% of the fleet is expected to be grounded soon as their engines need inspections and maintenance.

VH-X4A has already had three engine changes.

The suspicion many have is that PW are focusing more on the 320 family first and thus the PW1500G and A220 are left on the wayside.

I hope this doesn't come to bite QF with the 321XLR as they've gone for the PW1100G there over CFM Leap.

 

[markis10]

Perhaps they should've gone RR.

And how’s that working out across the ditch?

The Post

www.thepost.co.nz

Air New Zealand chief executive Greg Foran has left shareholders in no doubt about the difficulties the airline faces getting Rolls-Royce to do the right thing about its ongoing engine issues.

 

[flydoc]

Appears NJS A220 take over MEL - ASP from QF mainline from next Mon 27/10.
Farewell QF796/7; welcome QF1598/99