Qantas secures three new planes for WA FIFO workers, unveils cabin upgrades

Qantas has ordered new planes to replace its decade-old Fokker 100 fleet servicing WA’s important fly-in, fly-out market and regional travellers. QantasLink said it had secured three mid-life Embraer E190s as part of a major fleet renewal program at its WA-based regional operation Network Aviation. The new planes are set to arrive by the end of the year. Qantas last June announced it was eyeing up to 14 E190s as it gradually retires the F100s, which have been in service for more than three decades. At the same time, the national carrier on Monday said Network Aviation — which operates charter and FIFO services across WA as well as regular passenger flights — would begin fitting its fleet of 28 Airbus A320 and A319 aircraft with onboard Wi-Fi. The airline’s A320s will also be fitted with new seats equipped with USB A/C charging ports and portable device holders. The first refurbished aircraft is expected to enter service later this year, with the full cabin and Wi-Fi program set to be completed in early 2027. QantasLink chief executive Mark Dal Pra said the multi-million-dollar investment reinforced the airline’s long-term commitment to serving WA’s critical resources sector connecting regional communities across the State. “Not only will it significantly enhance the travel experience for our customers, it will also help us improve reliability and efficiency across our WA network,” he said. “It also builds on Qantas’ commitment to developing Perth as its western hub, including recent investments in new training facilities, infrastructure upgrades at Perth Airport and the launch of domestic and international routes to destinations including Newcastle, Hobart, Johannesburg and Auckland.” Qantas in early December launched new non-stop routes from Perth to Johannesburg and Auckland. Both routes operate three times a week on a Qantas A330 aircraft with 27 business class seats. It brings the total number of Qantas long-haul flights from WA’s capital to six, including direct flights from Perth to London, Paris, Singapore and a seasonal service to Rome. “We want to see Perth to be really up there with the best in terms of airport experience, but be able to unlock as many destinations on the Qantas and Jetstar network as possible,” Qantas boss Vanessa Hudson told The West Australian last month.