Qantas launches new A330-200 on domestic routes

Qantas has launched its first A330-200 aircraft to service domestic routes, providing new seating and inflight entertainment options for passengers.

The aircraft represents a new, and more enjoyable, era of flying for Australians travelling around the nation, Qantas CEO Alan Joyce said.

“For the first time Qantas will operate a domestic aircraft featuring state-of-the-art in-seat entertainment for all customers,” Mr Joyce said.

The A330 aircraft is configured with 36 business and 265 economy seats. Each seat offers a USB port for passenger to charge their electrical devices and touch screen functionality for its entertainment system.

The plane’s on-demand Panasonic eX2 system has over five hundred entertainment options including movies, television programs, a CD library, games, a dedicated children’s section, plus Qantas Lonely Planet Guides as seen on the A380.

Business passengers will have a wide seatback design, a seat width of 22 inches, cocktail table, ergonomic cushions and extendable leg rest with fold-out footrest.

Meanwhile, economy passengers have a seat width of 18.1”, ergonomic seat cushioning and a seat base that moves in conjunction with the seat recline.

The aircraft operated its inaugural service QF575 between Sydney and Perth this morning and will continue to operate on trans-continental flights between Sydney, Melbourne and Perth.

The second A330-200 is scheduled to arrive in February next year.

Qantas will continue to roll this inflight entertainment product out on all new aircraft on the domestic network.