Qantas is doubling down on its commitment to the West. In a massive multi-million dollar investment announced this week, the national carrier revealed a complete overhaul of its QantasLink regional fleet, promising a new era of connectivity and comfort for WA travelers.
The upgrades target Network Aviation, Qantas’ Perth-based subsidiary, and include everything from high-speed Wi-Fi and brand-new seats to the retirement of the iconic but aging Fokker 100 fleet.
Cabin Refurbishments: Wi-Fi and Power at Every Seat
For the thousands of workers in the resources industry and regional residents, the “flying office” just got a major upgrade. QantasLink will begin refurbishing its fleet of 28 Airbus A320 and A319 aircraft with features previously reserved for long-haul travel.
Key Interior Upgrades:
- High-Speed Onboard Wi-Fi: Stay connected in the sky and stream content via the Qantas Entertainment App.
- All-New Seating (A320s): Refurbished cabins will feature modern seats designed for better ergonomics.
- Integrated Charging: Every new seat will come equipped with USB-A and USB-C charging ports, plus dedicated portable device holders for hands-free viewing.
Timeline: The first refurbished aircraft is expected to take flight later in 2026, with the entire fleet finished by early 2027.
The End of an Era: Fokker 100s Replaced by Embraer E190s
The Fokker 100 has been the workhorse of the WA mining and regional sector for over 30 years. However, Qantas has confirmed it is time for the “Fokker era” to end.
The airline has secured the first three Embraer E190 jets, which will begin arriving by the end of 2026. These mid-life jets offer:
- Greater Reliability: Fewer mechanical delays for critical FIFO schedules.
- Improved Fuel Efficiency: A smaller carbon footprint per seat.
- Enhanced Comfort: A more modern cabin experience compared to the outgoing F100s.
In total, Qantas plans to acquire up to 14 E190s to modernise the Western Australian network.
Strengthening the “Perth Hub”
This investment isn’t just about planes; it’s about Perth’s growing role as a global aviation gateway. QantasLink CEO Mark Dal Pra highlighted that these upgrades build on the launch of new direct routes from Perth to destinations like Johannesburg and Auckland, as well as major infrastructure and training facility upgrades at Perth Airport.
For West Australians, this means more consistent service, whether you’re heading to a mine site in the Pilbara or a weekend away in Hobart.