Qantas Group has expanded its order backlog for the Airbus A220-300 to 29 aircraft after finalising a deal for a further nine examples.

The Australian flag carrier signed an initial order for the narrowbody type in May 2022 as part of its major fleet replacement programme which also included commitments for the A321XLR and Airbus A350-1000.

Christian Scherer, Airbus chief commercial officer and head of Airbus International said: "We are pleased to announce this incremental order from Qantas. Best in class, the A220 will be the perfect platform for a domestic network that includes everything from short hops to flights of five hours and beyond. Combining efficiency, comfort and longer range, the A220 will also contribute from Day 1 to the carrier’s far-reaching Climate Action Plan.”

Qantas’ first A220 is due for delivery at the end of the year and will be used primarily on domestic routes.