Qantas today introduced its new generation Airbus A330-200 aircraft into its domestic network.

The new Qantas A330-200 aircraft introduces improved seating and on demand inflight entertainment options using the new Panasonic eX2 system which until now for Qantas was only found on Qantas A380 aircraft.

The first new generation Qantas A330-200 aircraft went into operation on the Sydney to Perth route and features 36 Business Class seats & 265 Economy Class Seats.

The full media release from Qantas can be read below:

Qantas introduced its brand new A330-200 aircraft to the domestic network today, offering passengers new seating and personal on-demand inflight entertainment in all cabins.

Qantas CEO Alan Joyce said the aircraft represents a new era of flying for the Qantas domestic experience.

“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 on-demand Panasonic eX2 system has over five hundred entertainment options including movies, TV programs, a CD library, games, a dedicated children’s section, plus Qantas Lonely Planet Guides as seen on the A380. Each seat offers touch screen functionality to enhance interactive capabilities.”

The spacious A330 aircraft is configured with 36 Business and 265 Economy seats. Qantas Creative Director Marc Newson has collaborated with Qantas to style new seats with an enhanced focus on customer comfort.

Business passengers will enjoy an exclusive wide seatback design, an extra wide seat width of 22 inches, cocktail table, ergonomic cushions and extendable leg rest with fold out footrest.

Economy passengers will also enjoy an increased focus on comfort with an extra wide 18.1” seat width, ergonomic seat cushioning and a seat base that moves in conjunction with the seat recline.

Customers can also take advantage of an individual USB port in every seat to enable charging of personal electronic devices, and PC power.

The aircraft has been named the ‘Tamar Valley’ after the renowned Tasmanian wine region. The second A330-200, named after South Australia’s Clare Valley, is scheduled to arrive in February next year.

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 same product has recently been introduced on the new B737-800 aircraft operating trans-Tasman and has received positive reviews from customers. Qantas will continue to roll this inflight entertainment product out on all new aircraft entering the domestic network.