This Content Is Only For Subscribers
Wellington Airport is welcoming the major boost to Qantas and Jetstar services across New Zealand, including the introduction of the brand-new Airbus A220-300 aircraft operating between Wellington and Brisbane from early next year.
This will be the first time Qantas has flown the A220-300 on an international route, with the aircraft joining the Qantas fleet in early 2024. It features 137 seats, including 10 business class, set in a more spacious interior with larger windows, 20 per cent more overhead locker space, fast and free Wi-Fi, and both USB A and C at-seat charging for personal devices, including wireless charging in Business.
The aircraft is also significantly more fuel efficient than previous generation aircraft with a 50 per cent noise footprint reduction.
The first flight will arrive in Wellington on Waitangi Day next year and be phased in over the subsequent months to eventually fully replace the existing Boeing 737-800.
As announced earlier this year, Qantas will also be increasing flights between Wellington and Sydney by 36 per cent this summer peak. There will be five additional flights per week from December 15, 2025, to January 26, 2026, giving travellers a choice of 19 return flights per week. This is in addition to the 30 per cent and 20 per cent additional capacity on Wellington-Brisbane and Wellington-Melbourne respectively in 2025.
Jetstar’s continued investment in New Zealand is on the back of a wave of recent capacity growth – the low-fares airline has increased seats into Wellington by 12 per cent over the past 12 months. Jetstar now flies seven return flights a day between Auckland and Wellington during the peaks.
“The boost in flights and capacity across New Zealand is great news for travellers because it means more competition and choice,” says Wellington Airport chief executive Matt Clarke.
“We are excited to welcome Qantas’ first ever international service using an A220-300. This is a truly next-generation aircraft with features that passengers will love – we’ve had our eyes on the A220 ever since Qantas announced their entry into the fleet.
“Qantas is Wellington’s largest international airline by some distance and it’s fantastic to see them continuing to grow their market share in New Zealand.
“Including increases to the Melbourne service and an upgraded Brisbane service, Qantas will be operating around 50% more seats in the summer peak from Wellington than they were in 2020.”
