Qantas bolsters Link fleet with 14 new Dash 8 turboprops

Hamilton Island, Australia - October 3,2015: Passengers board a QANTASLINK Bombardier Dash-8 aircraft. Hamilton Island is the only island on the Great Barrier Reef with its own airport.
Edited by Travel Weekly


    Qantas has today announced new investment in its DeHavilland Dash 8 turboprop fleet as part of its ongoing commitment to keeping regional Australia connected.

    The national carrier will acquire 14 additional mid-life Dash 8-400 aircraft (Q400), with 19 smaller Q200 and Q300 turboprop aircraft to be gradually phased out of the fleet.

    The first aircraft will join the QantasLink fleet by the end of the calendar year 2024.

    Q400 aircraft are more than 30 per cent faster than the Q200 and Q300 aircraft, saving customers time travelling to and from regional destinations. The younger fleet will also help improve operational reliability.

    This investment will bring the number of Q400 aircraft in the fleet to 45.

    Qantas Group CEO Vanessa Hudson said the turboprop renewal program was part of the airline’s ongoing commitment to serve regional Australia.

    “As the national carrier, we are proud of the role we have played for more than 100 years keeping regional communities connected, and this investment ensures there will be ongoing reliable air services across many parts of regional Australia,” Hudson said.

    “QantasLink turboprops carry more than 3.5 million customers to more than 50 destinations around regional Australia every year, and these next-generation aircraft allow us to improve the travel experience with a faster and more comfortable experience.

    “By consolidating our turboprops into a single fleet type, we’ll be able to further improve our reliability and provide a better recovery for our customers during disruptions as well as reducing complexity and cost for our operation.

    “We know sustainable travel is important for our customers. These additional Q400s allow us to provide certainty to the regions over the next decade while we work with aircraft manufacturers and other suppliers on electric or battery powered aircraft that are the right size and range for our network.”

    This investment comes as the Qantas Group progresses its broader jet fleet renewal program, with QantasLink’s third Airbus A220 aircraft to be delivered in the coming weeks.

    Latest News

    • Aviation

    Gold Coast Airport marks major milestone in domestic expansion

    Gold Coast Airport undergoes a $17 million refurbishment of its old international area to expand domestic capabilities following the shift of international services to a new terminal. The airport’s new domestic lounge has just opened, marking a milestone in the terminal’s ongoing transformation. With various refurbishments coming in the following weeks, including new flooring, improved […]

    • Exhibitions

    Tahiti Tourisme gets behind Gauguin’s World exhibit at National Gallery, Canberra

    Tahiti Tourisme is supporting the Gauguin’s World: Tōna Iho, Tōna Ao exhibition which was launched at the National Gallery of Australia in Canberra yesterday, 27 June, attended by the Vice President of Tahiti, Eliane Tevahitua, and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese attending the festivities. The exhibition, open to the public from tomorrow, 29 June to 7 […]

    • Cruise

    All you need to know about White Bay Cruise Terminal

    Here is everything you need to know about White Bay Cruise Terminal, one of two dedicated cruise passenger terminals in Sydney Harbour. Entering the cruise terminal The terminal is located at James Craig Rd, Rozelle, with easy road access via The Crescent / James Craig Road. Pedestrians and cyclists are allowed to enter the terminal […]

    • Attractions
    • News

    South Korea launches new tourist: ‘Moon of Seoul’

    South Korea is launching a new tourist attraction: a moon-shaped, tethered helium balloon named the Moon of Seoul, located at Yeouido Park. This is expected to become one of the city’s landmarks, offering visitors a chance to enjoy the nighttime view of the Hangang River and the bustling city of Seoul. Each round trip will […]

    • Cruise
    • Destinations

    Explora Journeys launches Destination Experiences led by adventurer Mike Horn

    Explora Journeys, MSC’s luxury lifestyle ocean travel brand, has announced Destination Experiences led by renowned explorer and brand ambassador Mike Horn. From 10-20 November 2024, guests on board EXPLORA I will have the opportunity to join Horn on two extraordinary adventures, showcasing the wild beauty of Spain’s Lanzarote and La Palma islands. During a lifetime […]

    • Cruise

    Crystal announces exclusive collaboration with Casino de Monte-Carlo

    Crystal has enhanced its voyages with a collaboration with a leader in the world of entertainment and gaming to bring the first and only Casino de Monte-Carlo at sea. The collaboration marks a new chapter for the brand that promises guests an elevated level of entertainment and gaming experience. It debuts onboard Crystal Symphony during […]