Qantas Group has announced a major trans-Tasman expansion including Qantas’ first Airbus A220 international service between Brisbane and Wellington and a new direct Jetstar route from Brisbane to Queenstown next year. From February 2026, Qantas will begin flying its state-of-the art A220 aircraft on flights between Brisbane and Wellington, marking the first time the aircraft will fly on an international route. Qantas International CEO, Cam Wallace, said this additional capacity builds on the significant growth the Qantas Group announced between Australia and New Zealand earlier this year, including new routes and additional seasonal capacity. He said the growth will see the Qantas Group offer nearly 800,000 more seats in the 2026 financial year compared to the previous year. “This is the fifth trans-Tasman service Jetstar has launched or announced this year – and our seventh new international route out of Queensland – making 2025 Jetstar’s biggest Queensland and Tasman expansion yet.