Qantas takes delivery of its first Airbus aircraft

Qantas today took delivery of its first Airbus aircraft in Toulouse, France. Qantas Chief Executive Officer Geoff Dixon said the Airbus A330-200 was one of 13 A330s to be added to the Qantas fleet over the next three years as part of the airline's comprehensive fleet plan.

"Over the past 82 years, Qantas has earned a reputation as a leader in aircraft selection and fleet planning. Today marks another milestone in the airline's history," Mr Dixon said.

The two-class 300-seat A330-200 will be used on key Cityflyer routes between Sydney and Brisbane, Melbourne and Perth. The A330-300 aircraft that will be delivered late next year will provide for growth on regional international routes.

Mr Dixon said the arrival of the A330-200 highlighted the airline's ongoing and substantial investment in new aircraft and improved product for its passengers.

"We have worked with Airbus to come up with an enhanced cabin design which provides more personal space for every passenger and one of the quietest cabins in the sky," he said.

The Qantas A330-200 is the first Airbus aircraft to be fitted with the manufacturer's new cabin interior. Features include:

* Sculptured walls and higher ceilings to provide more elbow and headroom

* Intelligent lighting systems throughout the cabin to create a relaxing and welcoming environment

* The largest overhead storage space of any domestic aircraft

* Millennium Business Class seats and international-standard Slimline Economy Class seats with fabric inspired by the sea fauna of Australia's tropical reefs

* Stylish bathrooms with black granite-styled benchtops and larger mirrors

Mr Dixon said dual aerobridges had been built at Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane airports to increase passenger access to the new aircraft.

The A330-200 aircraft is scheduled to operate its first commercial service early in the New Year.