Airlines

Qantas finalizes incremental order for nine A220s

The Qantas Group of Australia has completed a further order for nine Airbus A220-300s, raising the company’s total backlog for the single-aisle model to 29 aircraft. Initially, Qantas chose the A220 as part of a significant fleet replacement strategy that was unveiled in May 2022 and that also included orders for the A321XLR and A350-1000. In February of this year, the carrier revealed its plans to acquire more A220s.

Delta Air Lines raises its firm order for A220 aircraft to 107.(Opens in a new browser tab)

At the end of the year, Qantas will receive its first A220, which it will use mostly on its extensive domestic route network. The A220 can travel further than other aircraft in its size category while also offering a step-change decrease in fuel consumption and emissions through its combination of cutting-edge technologies and a bigger, quieter cabin for added comfort.

In its size range, the A220 airliner is the most advanced. It has been specifically created for the 100-150 seat class and has a maximum range of 3,450 nautical miles or 6,400 km. The A220 offers exceptional comfort to passengers by having the largest cabin, seats, and windows in its class.

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The newest Pratt & Whitney GTF engines power the aircraft. The A220 is already capable of running on Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), which is already possible with all Airbus aeroplanes. By the year 2030, Airbus wants all of its aircraft to be 100% SAF-capable.

Nearly 800 A220 orders have been placed with Airbus from 30 different clients, and 265 have already been shipped. Currently, 16 airlines throughout the world are using the A220.

Airlines

PIA Reinstates Manchester and Paris Routes After EU Ban Lift

Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has announced plans to resume flights to Europe starting in January, beginning with Paris as its first destination.

The decision follows the European Union Aviation Safety Agency’s (EASA) removal of a long-standing ban on the airline. PIA’s inaugural flight to Paris is scheduled for January 10, with bookings opening on December 9.

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In an official statement, PIA spokesperson Abdullah Hafeez Khan confirmed that the first flight schedule has been approved, marking a significant milestone in the airline’s recovery efforts. The EU ban had previously cost PIA approximately Rs40 billion ($144 million) annually in lost revenue, compounding its financial struggles.

With European operations restarting, PIA is now setting its sights on the United Kingdom. The airline plans to seek approval from the UK Department for Transport (DfT) to resume flights to major British cities such as London, Manchester, and Birmingham.

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These routes are anticipated to see high demand once necessary clearances are obtained. The lifting of the EU ban represents a key achievement for PIA as it works to rebuild its international network and regain its standing in the global aviation market.

By restoring flights to Europe and aiming for UK destinations, PIA is taking critical steps toward recovering lost ground and improving its financial outlook.