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Western Australian QantasLink subsidiary Network Aviation will replace its ageing Fokker 100s with mid-life Embraer E190s, alongside four former Jetstar Asia A320s.
Network is looking to source up to 14 E190s, which QantasLink currently operates mainly in the east, with the first targeted for the end of 2026. QantasLink has 15 Fokker 100s in its fleet, with an average age of over 30 years.
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“This fleet renewal represents a significant investment in the future of our regional aviation capabilities, and our commitment to serving the critical resources sector and regional communities in Western Australia,” said Rachel Yangoyan, chief executive of QantasLink.
“The E190 is a proven platform that operates across Australia today and will deliver improved operational efficiency and reliability, while also creating opportunities for our people in the West.”
Qantas has confirmed four of Network’s Fokker 100s are to be replaced by A320-200s repurposed from Jetstar Asia, which will be shuttered at the end of next month.
The A320s and E190s will offer improved reliability and fuel efficiency over the F100s, in both regular passenger transport and FIFO operations. Major client Fortescue Metals has welcomed the change, with CEO Dino Otranto saying it will help bolster its operations.
“With more than 50 flights a week out of Perth, we’re on track for around 640,000 passenger movements this financial year – a clear reflection of how vital our partnership with Qantas and Network Aviation is to keeping our operations running efficiently,” he said.
“This new fleet will bring more comfort and reliability for our people, and that makes a real difference when you’re flying in and out as frequently as we do.”
Qantas and QantasLink are embarking on major fleet renewal programs, with the turboprop Dash 8 fleet moving to entirely Q400s and the mainline Qantas domestic fleet to transition from 737-800s to A321XLRs, the first of which is expected to arrive next month.
QantasLink in WA has also added several A319s formerly flown by US budget carrier Spirit, some of which will operate flights from Perth to Newcastle and Hobart.
It comes as rival Virgin Australia is also looking to replace the Fokker fleet of its regional arm with Embraers, though VARA is opting for brand-new E190-E2s rather than mid-life aircraft.
