Air travellers in and out Launceston will notice a big difference later this year.
Qantas is retiring its fleet of 717s with new Boeing A-220s on the return Melbourne route.
Launceston Airport CEO Shane O’Hare says it’s exciting news for the national carrier as well as the state.
“The A-220 is a brand new aircraft from Airbus. It will replace some of the older 717s that people will be familiar with,” he said.
“It has greater capacity, it’s a brand new state-of-the-art aircraft and Launceston will be one of the first destinations to get this aircraft from November.
The aircraft will have 98 seats in economy and 10 in business, where the legroom has been increased.
“It’s going to be a very comfortable aircraft,” he said.
The 717 aircraft will gradually be retired after more than 20 years of service.
It comes as budget carrier Bonza prepares to add flights to the Sunshine Coast from Launceston to sit alongside its Gold Coast offering.
