QantasLink changes in 2015

[Rowan McKeever]

QantasLink services will undergo a fairly major reshuffle come March 2015:

http://www.qantas.com.au/agents/dyn/qf/info/201411/1120

In summary:
* the two PER-based Q400s to come back east
* Network F100s to operate some QLink services in their 'white space'
* ADL-based Q400 to be replaced by two Q300s, no more Q400 flying out of ADL (suggests the ADL-CBR could get the chop)
* potential new route(s) ex-ADL
* changes to QLD coastal ops
* BNE-NTL will see Q400s (unclear if that's on all or only some services)

I suspect there's more to come on this, not only in terms of the potential new ADL routes but also some broader changes. VA is starting to make moves into QF's monopoly routes in the Territory, which I can't see QF taking laying down. Watch this space, I guess!?

[Ryan K]

I wonder what the chances of a CBR-HBA Q400 service being opened up by Qantaslink would be? I'm surprised they haven't given this route a go.

[Rowan McKeever]

There was a comment posted somewhere yesterday (perhaps in The Australian article which is now behind a paywall), from John Gissing, which almost seemed to suggest they were thinking CBR-HBA. The Q400 is the aircraft for it, IMHO.

In terms of the Q400 CBR-ADL, I'd see that potentially being a 717 with some adjustment to the schedule, perhaps even 2x 717 and 1x 73H in each direction on weekdays. Happy to stand corrected!

[Zac M]

It's an interesting move to take 300s back to ADL, my biggest question (and I'm sure we'll find out soon) would be how they will be rotated for maintenance. I would suggest that there is a possibility of ADL-MQL and rotating through there however as Melbourne is an all Q400 base this wouldn't really help, if Q300s havw the range for ADL - CBR maybe via CBR? I guess the other possibility is that the two Q400 aircraft operate entirely independant of the rest of the fleet as per the current Q400 base in PER.

As for BNE-NTL, some services I've noticed are already using Q400s so it's a possibility that this is saying that all services will be Q400 ops.

[Jarden S]

The two Q300s in Adelaide will allow QantasLink to look at new route opportunities in South Australian regional markets. We are in discussions with a number of stakeholders and expect to announce a new route in the coming weeks

So be interesting what new towns they open up in SA beside the existing Port Lincoln.
They may compete head on with REX on Mount Gambier, Whyalla, Coober Pedy or Ceduna.

[Rowan McKeever]

Taking over from the contracted Alliance F50s on Olympic Dam has also been mentioned, but obviously depends on the options that contact provides.

[Jarden S]

They also plan to reduce the fleet as well. But increase flying of remaining aircraft to make up the capacity shortfall.
QantasLink will shed four Bombardier Q300 turboprop aircraft
http://australianaviation.com.au/2014/11/qantaslink-to-reduce-fleet-in-cost-cutting-move/

[Hugh Jarse]

Good luck to all the staff affected by this narcissistic management.

[Brad Myer]

Changes take effect from March 29 2015.

Anyone noticed any changes to the schedules yet? Supposed to be loaded this week...

[Mat James]

BNE-NTL will be upgraded to all Q400's and increased from 16 to 18 per week, partly due to Jetstar reducing services due to on going negotiations with the airport.

As for the moment, some services on Monday's and Friday's already get operated by the Q400, but haven't seen one for a couple of weeks now.

[Max C]

The amount of crew being advertised for the ADL base suggests that they would have enough crew to fully crew 2 Q300's as opposed to just having a spare.

The maintenance will be done by Cobham as they already have the licence coverage. They infact leased VH-SBJ OFF QLink for a while a few years ago.

Every now and again you may see an aircraft swap from the East coast, but it'll only be via a ferry flight as the Q300 would be severley payload limited trying to do ADL-CBR vv.

The current ADL-OLP flights require up to 3 x F50's a day so I don't see that happening initially. Have a look at where Rex operate the most flights ex ADL and that may indicate a potential target market.

Any additional 717 ex CBR would require a 6th J-class aircraft as the current fleet of 5 is fully utilised on the existing flying.

[Zac M]

There is a lot of slack in the two - class 717 schedule, plenty of room to 'optimise'. Also possible that they may take it off ADL-SYD as that's a very busy flight (the two times I've flown on it anyway) and could operate with a 737.

[Greg Hyde]

Isn't QF making the decision it should of made several years ago. By not introducing a regional jet when the B734 was withdrawn and increasing B717 services.

They have lost the fleet flexibility to switch DHC8 for a RJ when demand is needed. As well as having an aircraft to fit the niche between a B738 and A332. The price is old aircraft with high fuel costs.

Unfortunately they do not have the fleet flexibility like VA as it can switch a/c depending on demand. They haven't moved with the times.

[Zac M]

It coming I'm sure, those 717s will need replacing in the near future, they really aren't up to the task, I don't know if it was the fact they were in storage for a lengthy period or whether they are just a lemon (don't get me wrong I love the 717) but yeah, I reckon within 5 years they will be replaced. Personally I thought the 737-700 would have been perfect for QF, no crew training, ground crew training, etc. and they would be totally interchangeable with the fleet of 738s, sure they aren't the size of a E190 or similar but I think they are small enough to be worthwhile.

[Jason Carruthers]

Performance wise at 525nm CBR-ADL is quite doable by DH8C. Bombardiers literature has it capable of 924nm at 50 Pax+Bags. They have flown the DH8C on BNE-LRE in the past which is 10nm longer than CBR-ADL. Block time was around 02:20-2:30

As for new route my money's on either Mount Gambier or Whyalla with Mildura as an outside chance.

http://www2.bombardier.com/Used_Aircraft/pdf/Q300_EN.pdf

[Justin L]

Could QF maybe return to Kingscote on the ADL-KGC and MEL-KGC routes?

If I recall they left that route previously because they didn't have the right aircraft for the route. Is the Dash 8-300 suitable for these routes?

Otherwise, perhaps a MEL connection from ADL via MGB is my other guess.

[Max C]

Whyalla Council has been quite keen on another operator apparently.

Remember there won't be too many new routes as it'll only be 1 line of flying and they'll also have some slack for delays/breakdowns.

[Greg Hyde]

Airlines gets a large margin (profit) from Business Class seats.

Corporate/government contacts is like printing money.

VA E190s have business class seating,

QF has only business class seating in VH-YQS/T/U/V/W (B712)

Any service that does not offer business class is not a money maker.

That is the problem.

[Rowan McKeever]

New QLink destination ex-ADL is Whyalla! Double daily Q300s from 13 April 2015.

http://www.qantasnewsroom.com.au/media-releases/qantaslink-adds-whyalla-to-its-map

[Clarry S]

Qlink needs to link several major ports.

Q400s.
MELPLO
MELDBO
CBRNTL
CBRHBA

717
CBROOL

Whilst generally traffic would be leisure/VFR, bypassing the larger ports would enable a slight premium in yields.

[Rowan McKeever]

Id agree with the last 2 but the Q400 is far too much aircraft for MELPLO, MELDBO or CBRNTL. Two of those routes have never been done (to my knowledge) & the other couldn't work on 19-seaters...

[Max C]

Q400 VH-LQK will leave PER for good on 04-Mar as QF6674 PER-ADL-SYD.

LQJ will leave later in the month.

[Zac M]

I take it they are not getting replaced with any other Q400 and the ops are winding back?

[Max C]

Correct,

Network will pick up the flights.

VH-LQJ will ferry PER-ADL-BNE on 25/3
Q300 will ferry SYD-ADL on 21/3
Q300 will ferry BNE-CBR-ADL on 30/3

[Zac M]

Looks like LQK had to return to PER with a mechanical issue.

[Max C]

VH-SBT will ferry SYD-ADL on 21/03 as QF6711

[Rowan McKeever]

Just noticed QF are also putting 717s on BNE-ISA. Looks like all-Y. Not sure the start date but definitely there mid to late April, 4x weekly alongside 9x weekly with 73H. Makes a lot of sense to me, in fact been expecting this for a while.

[Max C]

VH-SBT will ferry SYD-ADL on 21/03 as QF6711

Now changed to VH-SBG

[Alex T]

Seems like SBG is in Brissie tonight do you reckon it'll position BNE-SYD-ADL?

[Stefan Perkas]

VH-SBG scheduled to do BNE-MQL-ADL today.

[Rowan McKeever]

VH-LQJ (http://flightaware.com/live/flight/VHLQJ) scheduled to fly PER-ADL-BNE today as QLK670D, ending Q400 ops in WA.

Out of PER at 0710, to be in ADL from around 1255 to around 1420, landing in BNE at around 1600.

[Rowan McKeever]

Also (based on qantas.com schedules) looks as though ADL's final Q400 service will operate to/from PLO this coming Sunday as QF2273/QF2274 (ADL1700-1750PLO1810-1900ADL) before SBG takes over as QF2275, the PLO-nightstopping service on Sunday night.

I've not been able to find any information about how and when the Q400 will transition back out of ADL.

[Max C]

QOE will ferry ADL-BNE as QF6674 on 30/3.

TQL will ferry BNE-CBR-ADL as QF6713 on 30/3.

[Rowan McKeever]

Cheers, Max!

[Greg Hyde]

From AA

Water cannon salute for end of QantasLink turboprop operations in Perth


http://australianaviation.com.au/2015/03/water-cannon-salute-for-end-of-qantaslink-turboprop-operations-in-perth/

[Max C]

QOE is now leaving ADL tonight as QF6674 in order to be available ex BNE on Monday morning.

[Stefan Perkas]

QOE will ferry ADL-BNE as QF6674 on 30/3.

TQL will ferry BNE-CBR-ADL as QF6713 on 30/3.

TQL did not turn up yesterday as planned.

[Robert.M]

TQL now scheduled this afternoon to fly BNE-DBO-ADL as QLK713.

[Max C]

Q300 SBJ ferried SYD-TMW today as QF6713 to be placed in storage.

At this stage, all 6 300's will be stored at TMW until a decision is made on their future.

Q300 TQZ will ferry BNE-TMW tomorrow (2/4) as QF6713 but this may be for maintenance as Q200 TQS will exit the hangar tomorrow and ferry TMW-SYD as QF6714

[Zac M]

There is 6 300s considerably older than the rest, those been SBB, G, J, T, TQY and Z. So good assumption that TQZ would most likely be for storage.

[Robert.M]

SBI was used on the SYD-WGA-SYD route this afternoon.

[Zac M]

TQZ was for storage, QOS was originally due to ferry to TMW this morning, however instead it will be operating to Canberra and then positioning to TMW

[Max C]

TQZ will ferry back to SYD tonight and return to service to cover for u/s aircraft.

[Zac M]

Will have 4 Canberra shuttles tomorrow at this point, possibility for more

[Greg Hyde]

Zac,

Prince Harry is in town, maybe the reason for the extra traffic.

[Zac M]

They aren't extra services, they are scheduled service due to other aircraft been unserviceable.

[Rowan McKeever]

That didn't go too well either. TQZ still hasn't made it out of TMW, SBI took over the CBR shuttles and has been about an hour late as both QF1461 and QF1462.

[Max C]

SBJ now TMW-SYD

[Max C]

SBB SYD-TMW on 09/4
SBT SYD-TMW on 10/4
TQY SYD-TMW on 11/4

So that should make SBB,SBT,TQY,TQZ

SBJ also went ARM-TMW on 08/4 but that may have been due to maintenance.

[Rowan McKeever]

SBJ also went ARM-TMW on 08/4 but that may have been due to maintenance.

SBJ was originally positioned to TMW on 1 April in the first tranche of what are believed to be stored Q300s. It positioned back to SYD on 6 April to help in covering for a number of u/s Q400s, operated SYD-ARM on 7 April and went u/s itself before positioning out of ARM on 8 April as you say. Bit of a saga for you!

Would be very interesting to see photos of all these Dashes stored in TMW!

[Ryan K]

Speaking of Qantaslink changes, there seem to have been a lot of Qantas 737's doing the normal 717 runs into Hobart the past couple of months. On top of this, I've read various comments of the 717's regularly going un-serviceable causing a series of delays into and out of Hobart. Can anyone shed any light on this?

[Zac M]

I think the heavy use of 737s is a capacity issue, as almost every time I've seen it, it's using the old flight number and 1509/1508 is not showing on the schedule at all. Generally when the 717s go mechanical and mainline step in, they will use a 12## or 13##

[Ryan K]

I've seen 737 services planned weeks out in the schedule and they're using the old QF10** numbers.

[Rowan McKeever]

If they're planned weeks out they're not replacing a u/s 717, which goes to what Zac was saying earlier.

[Zac M]

http://m.canberratimes.com.au/act-news/qantas-to-open-new-canberra-heavy-maintenance-base-20150410-1mi9ys.html

Qantaslink have announced they are moving 717 heavy maintenance to Canberra.

[Brad Myer]

And back in house... Good news!

[Rowan McKeever]

Great news for CBR and great to see that hangar go to its intended use! Keeping my fingers crossed re the announcement "will complement our increased flying out of Canberra with this aircraft type."

[Greg Hyde]

Cobham expects job losses after losing Qantas 717 heavy maintenance work

Swings & roundabouts, wins in Canberra & losses in Adelaide

http://australianaviation.com.au/2015/04/cobham-expects-job-losses-after-losing-qantas-717-heavy-maintenance-work/

[Zac M]

Whyalla started up today with VH-SBG operating the first service. I'd expect SBG will remain in ADL till TQM leaves heavy maintenance and it will then join its 5 sister ships in storage at TMW.

[Shaal L]

haven't kept up to date with this

Is qlink removing some of its dash8-300 ? . if so which ones and when is is planned

[Max C]

SBB SYD-TMW on 09/4
SBT SYD-TMW on 10/4
TQY SYD-TMW on 11/4

So that should make SBB,SBT,TQY,TQZ

SBJ also went ARM-TMW on 08/4 but that may have been due to maintenance.

See the above post

[Shaal L]

oh ok thx

[Rowan McKeever]

SBB SYD-TMW on 09/4
SBT SYD-TMW on 10/4
TQY SYD-TMW on 11/4

So that should make SBB,SBT,TQY,TQZ

SBJ also went ARM-TMW on 08/4 but that may have been due to maintenance.

Max, did you happen to get the (correct) flight number for SBB positioning to TMW? Flightaware says QLK104 which would be a SYD-CFS flight.

[Max C]

I missed it sorry

[Rowan McKeever]

No biggy, thanks for all the rest of your info!

[Greg Hyde]

ABC News is reporting a Q300 has been forced to return to Port Lincoln after and engine failure.

[Zac M]

Story can be found here (http://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-04-16/port-lincoln-flight-turned-around-after-propeller-fails/6398226), aircraft was VH-TQL.

[Max C]

TQY is being ferried TMW-SYD today for reintroduction into service.

[Zac M]

Can't find any flights for TQY in the next week...possible disposal maybe???

[Zac M]

TQY did do a few flights this morning due to a mechanical issue with another aircraft

[Max C]

There's a few ferry flights coming up. Some of the Q300's in TMW will be reactivated and used as operational spares around the network.

11/06 TQY will ferry SYD-ADL as QF6714
11/06 TQM will ferry ADL-TMW as QF6715
11/06 SBB will ferry TMW-BNE as QF6713

[Zac M]

So TQM to go into storage? Seems odd given it recently had heavy mx.

[Dave Dale]

Are the little Q200s still in use?

[Zac M]

Yep, LDH requires it and I think the contract for MRZ is only for twice daily 36 seats so they are used there as well.

[Zac M]

TQL is now in storage

[Greg Hyde]

I think the 300 series are destined to fly over the ditch

http://www.ch-aviation.com/portal/news/38290-jetstar-australia-to-enter-domestic-new-zealand-market-in-4q


http://australianaviation.com.au/2015/06/jetstar-plans-shakeup-of-nz-regional-aviation/

[Justin L]

Greg,

The 300 series flying for JQ in NZ already has its own thread:

http://yssyforum.net/board/showthread.php?t=10552

[Zac M]

SBT was removed from storage on the 8th of July

[Rowan McKeever]

QLink to commence SYD-MCY vv. services from 21 Dec 2015, operating on 717s with an evening departure from SYD and a morning return. Two new leased 717s seem to be joining the fleet early next year.

Mainline is also commencing 737 service MEL-OOL from 25 Oct 2015.

http://www.qantasnewsroom.com.au/media-releases/smarter-flying-sees-qantas-back-to-sunshine-coast/

http://www.ausbt.com.au/qantaslink-to-launch-sydney-sunshine-coast-maroochydore-flights

[Zac M]

Another two leased 717s on the way....wonder where that are coming from???

[Rowan McKeever]

They'd have to be the last two Blue1 machines. Blue1 had 9 717s - 4 of those are already with Volotea, 3 are going to Delta and looks like QF has picked up the other 2.

[Brad Myer]

So the 2 extra 717s will be in two class config.

QF have also stated more HBA flying from FEB 2016 no doubt operated by these 2 extra B717s.

[Ryan K]

Great news about more HBA flying. Do you also think QF would look at relaunching 717 services to LST?

[Rowan McKeever]

Hidden away on the Qantas Industry Sales site is that mainline will operate B737 services BNE-HBA late-December to late-January. Could be a hint for the new B717 services at HBA?

[Ryan K]

So the 2 extra 717s will be in two class config.

QF have also stated more HBA flying from FEB 2016 no doubt operated by these 2 extra B717s.

What new HBA services from Feb 2016 have they stated exactly?

[Rowan McKeever]

The press release doesn't say, specifically, but it does refer to additional B717 flying at HBA as well as increases for SYD-OOL and BNE-NTL. The extra SYD-OOL flight is the only one I can see in the online schedule (apart from the MCY flight) as of just now... there's nothing new on there for HBA or NTL.

[Max C]

3 x Weekly (W-F) early morning BNE-NTL-BNE flights start from late Oct.

[Rowan McKeever]

3 x Weekly (W-F) early morning BNE-NTL-BNE flights start from late Oct.

Ahh yep, I see it now. I either missed it (probably!) or it only just went in the system for March. Thanks Max!

[Brad Myer]

I think the domestic schedules are still being updated and changed….

I am seeing the Perth-Karratha route is getting some extra Fokker 100 services using flight numbers in the QF2600 range which don't exist at the moment.

I can also see additional B717 services on the SYD-OOL-SYD route from March.

Thinking we will also see a 2nd daily SYD-HBA-SYD flight using the B717s as well.

I can also see more A332s on the SYD-MEL and SYD-BNE routes.

Plenty of changes coming through...

[Greg Hyde]

From QF Source

QANTAS Announce New B717-200s.

July 22, 2015

QANTAS today announced that a further two Two Class Boeing 717-200s will be leased and will commence service in early 2016. These would appear to be former Blue1 machines but this has yet to be confirmed.

It's the battle of the updated 1960's twinjets. DC-9(B717) vs F-28 (F100). Have times changed that much.

[Zac M]

Dash 8-300 VH-TQD was placed into storage on Friday positioning to TMW as QF6713, its last service as ARM-SYD as QF2025 the previous day.

As a result Dash 8-300 VH-TQZ was reactivated, positioning TMW-SYD on Friday as QF6716 before re-entering service this morning as QF1471 SYD-CBR.

My theory is now that the three JQ aircraft will be VH-TQD, H, K, L and M as these were a batch, so keep eyes on TQH and TQK.

[Max C]

TQM goes to TSV for a repaint sometime shortly. Aug/Sep.

[Max C]

TQM ferried TMW-TSV on 29/07 as QF6672.

[Rowan McKeever]

Speaking of TSV, Network now has a F100 painted in QLink colours (the rest to follow):

http://www.qantasnewsroom.com.au/media-releases/flying-kangaroo-rebrand-for-network-aviation-f100-aircraft/

[lloyd fox]

How disappointing is that Rowan.The big boys come in and buy out the regionals such as Network(Qantas) and SkyWest(Virgin) and paint them into their liveries.Thank heavens we still have Alliance,REX,Skippers,Air North and JetGo and others still flying our skies.

[Robert.M]

To be expected though. REX has done the same (though they kept the name, most ac wear the REX livery) with Pel-Air and to lesser extent Airlink (beech ac).

[Greg Hyde]

http://australianaviation.com.au/2015/07/network-aviation-becomes-qantaslink/

[Steve S... 2]

Hi is TQM in TSV to get the JQ livery or just a repaint into QF new colours?

If just the new roo then I guess TOM won't be going to JQ in New Zealand.

[Max C]

TQM is being repainted into JQ colours.

[Steve S... 2]

Thanks Max. Exciting times.

[Steve S... 2]

Hi,

I wonder if TQM in now in Jetstar livery? - it is flying from TSV to CNS today at 11am.

[Max C]

Sure is. Flight may be delayed to tomorrow though but it's pretty much done.

SBI is on its way to TSV now as the next to be painted.

[Steve S... 2]

Great... thanks Max.

It is interesting that TQM & SBI are the two youngest 300's in the fleet.

Be great to see where TQM flies to prior to NZ service.

Thanks mate.

[Zac M]

Is SBI going for paint into JQ or the newer Qlink scheme, as it doesn't quite fit in with the aircraft seemingly been prepared for JQ service in TMW.

[Brad Myer]

Will the aircraft going to JQ keep the existing regos?

[Max C]

http://fnqskies.blogspot.com.au/2015/08/jetstars-first-new-zealand-regional.html

[Greg Hyde]

Nice look

[Steve S... 2]

Now how cool is that :) Very nice.

[Paul S.]

Cant help but think if this is a success we might see this expanded regionally around OZ. If they can keep the low fare and cost base. REX might be getting nervous

[Robert.M]

It would be great to see Jetstar operating Q300/400 aircraft in Australia but I'll doubt we will ever see it happen.

[Grahame Hutchison]

Hope they transit Sydney on the way to NZ.

[Nigel C]

Not sure they'd need to Grahame. Wouldn't a hop across to Lord Howe or Norfolk Island then down to Auckland be the better route?

[Max C]

There are issues getting a Q300 out of Lord Howe and Norfolk would only be reachable with ferry tanks fitted which I'm guessing is the most probable way of doing it.

[Zac M]

Cant help but think if this is a success we might see this expanded regionally around OZ. If they can keep the low fare and cost base. REX might be getting nervous

As I've previously stated, don't think it was here, it will never happen, Qantas will never introduce anything that will impend on the business of Qlink.

[MarkR]

There are issues getting a Q300 out of Lord Howe and Norfolk would only be reachable with ferry tanks fitted which I'm guessing is the most probable way of doing it.

With standard tanks and long range cruise a Q300 would not have an issue with Brisbane to Norfolk, as 1000nm is possible with a 3000kg payload, easily covering the 761nm journey. From Cairns is 1422nm requiring Long Range tanks, with the same payload (3000kg) it's range is 1950nm. Would not be surprised to see them go BNE-AKL direct, 1237nm should be pretty easy with the jet stream and good weather at AKL.

[lloyd fox]

That is our thinking up here that they will depart either OOL or BNE to NLK.

[Greg Hyde]

http://australianaviation.com.au/2015/08/first-repainted-q300-turboprop-for-jetstar-emerges-from-paintshop/

More pics,

Mentioned that there will be a cabin refresh as well.

Not sure if this has been completed ?

[Andrew C.]

Hi Greg,

I saw that -TQM was receiving maintenance in the Hawker Pacific hanger at Cairns this afternoon. Could this be where the cabin refresh is taking place?

[Stephen Brown]

Mentioned that there will be a cabin refresh as well.


I'm sure they will try and find a way to fit an extra 30 seats on the aircraft.....

[Brad Myer]

Seat count remains the same.

Jetstar style carpets, seat covers, curtains and trims will be added.

[Max C]

TQL is scheduled to fly TMW-TSV today as QF6713

While the aircraft are in CNS they are also receiving some maintenance items before going to NZ.

[Greg Hyde]

Sure is. Flight may be delayed to tomorrow though but it's pretty much done.

SBI is on its way to TSV now as the next to be painted.

Has SBI been sighted since its repaint ?

[lloyd fox]

VH-SBI scheduled this arvo TSV-CNS so as of yesterday still in the hangar.

[lloyd fox]

As MarkR pointed out that all Jetstar Dash 8's will leave BNE for NZ is going to happen.

VH-TQM is due BNE this evening from CNS.

[Max C]

...and TQM is fitted with ADS-B

[Robert.M]

Even in the evening light, the livery looks awesome. I think JS livery suits the Q300 better than the QLink livery.
http://ybbn.blogspot.com.au/2015/08/jetstars-first-dash-8-q300-vh-tqm.html

[lloyd fox]

The pic taken by Simon was 14 mins after sunset-he did a good job and yes I agree-it really suits this aircraft type.

[Max C]

No new interior as yet but will be installed before it goes to NZ.

Mainly fresh carpets and seat coverings

[Alex T]

Here's a pic of SBI fresh out of painting:
https://www.facebook.com/flyingcoloursaviation/photos/a.314284981976982.71766.172988159439999/908187705920037/?type=1&theater

[Max C]

VH-TQM is flying BNE-NLK-AKL today as QF6713

[Greg Hyde]

The DHC8 does look good JQ livery.

I wonder if they will stay on the VH reg ?

[MarkR]

She was sitting on the domestic ramp at AKL this afternoon getting a few odd looks from the locals.

[Max C]

They'll stay on the Aus register for the time being like the JQ A320's.

[Max C]

For those who track this info

BNE-NLK QF6713
NLK-AKL QF6714

Today TQM flies AKL-WLG as QF6714

Mid next week it'll be back in BNE.

[Greg Hyde]

That why TQM is across the ditch

Nelson and Napier first to receive Jetstar Q300 service

http://australianaviation.com.au/2015/08/nelson-and-napier-first-to-receive-jetstar-q300-service/

[MarkR]

Quite a few buses running around Auckland on the weekend with the four new Jetstar destinations named - all starting with N (with Palmerston North becoming North Palmerston)!

[Max C]

VH-TQD is flying TMW-TSV today as QF6714.

[Max C]

VH-SBI should ferry CNS-BNE today as QF6713

[Greg Hyde]

TQM repaint in 01:36

https://www.facebook.com/JetstarNZ/videos/1044027512282476/

[Greg Hyde]

TQM repaint in 01:36

https://www.facebook.com/JetstarNZ/videos/1044027512282476/

[lloyd fox]

VH-TQM and VH-SBI are parked just to the North of the GA apron at BNE side by side.

Cheers.

[Max C]

VH-TQD is scheduled to ferry TSV-CNS today as QF6670

That'll make 4 aircraft painted.

[MarkR]

Interesting to see that JQ are looking for tech crew for them.

[Rowan McKeever]

Not really 2015 as this change takes effect from 8 March 2016, but additional HBA B717 flying has been announced.

http://www.qantasnewsroom.com.au/media-releases/more-tassie-flights-and-jobs-for-qantaslink/

SYD moves up from daily to 13x weekly, MEL from 4x daily to 33x weekly. I've seen a post on another forum indicating JQ will reduce MEL-HBA vv. by one daily service. TBH, I was expecting something different (ie BNE) rather than literally more of the same, but good on them!

This, and of course the MCY service, makes use of the 2x B717 coming from Blue1 in Finland.

[Max C]

Not unusual as The Q300 pilots for NZ will be employed by JQNZ or JQNZ regional.

[MarkR]

When it was announced Qantas mentioned the aircraft would be operated by Qantaslink, and I assumed that included the crews, which is why I thought it unusual.

[Radi K]

They are advertising for Dash 8 crew for Jetstar
http://careers.jetstar.com/cw/en/job/493421/dhc8-captains-and-first-officers

[Greg Hyde]

That leaves one to be painted by my count.

Or will there will there be a spare as well ?

Wasn't Eastern/QLink crews originally planned to operate these services ?

[Max C]

They will be using Eastern's check and training approval (CAR217) and AOC to operate the Q300's. That is why the aircarft will remain on the Australian register.

The crews will be employed by JQNZ however, this has always been the case.

[MarkR]

Thanks for the explanation Max.

[Max C]

VH-TQL is scheduled to ferry CNS-BNE tomorrow (23/09) as QF6675

[Max C]

Network F100 VH-NHK has been repainted into QantasLink colours a few days ago.

VH-NHV is heading to TSV now for the same.

Only taking a few days each as the paintwork is already pretty new and they are really just changing the tail colours and titles.

That explains the gap in the Q300 repaints at the moment.

[Steve S... 2]

Makes sense now.

I also wondered if it was Fokker 100 NHC being delivered via Townsville paintshop as was the case recently with NHY.

Don't know when NHC is due.

[Brad Myer]

So how many F100s now wear the roo?

[Max C]

2 at the moment.

[Rowan McKeever]

NHV is back in service, ferried TSV-ASP-PER yesterday. Doesn't appear any of Network's other F100s has taken its place in TSV as yet (although flightaware shows NHC as a Brasilia, so who knows!).

[Max C]

NHC is the latest F100 for Network.

[Greg Hyde]

NHC was under maintenance in Singapore last month and supposedly already in QLink livery.

Not sure if it has ferried south as yet

[Max C]

SBV ferries TMW-TSV today as QF6713

[Max C]

Turns out TQK took its place in TSV ex BNE tonight

[Greg Hyde]

Max is that for JQ look or QLink refresh ?

[Max C]

Not too sure sorry but it is one of the newer 300's so possibly for JQ.

[Steve S... 2]

G'day,

Fokker 100 VH-NHC was delivered to Wagga in Avianca livery.

Looks like it may be painted into QF livery at Wagga?

Regards,

Steve S

[Grahame Hutchison]

If you missed it Steve, check this post (http://yssyforum.net/board/showpost.php?p=96638&postcount=11) in another thread by Robert in Wagga Wagga

[Max C]

Most likely,

I'd say Townsville will have their hands full with other repaints

[Max C]

SBV looks to be ferring back to BNE this Saturday to go back into QLink service

[Max C]

TQD looks to be ferrying CNS-BNE tomorrow as QF6713

[Max C]

TQK will ferry TSV-CNS tomorrow as QF6713

[Robert.M]

NHC should be ready soon, did have a white tail from the glimpse I had on the weekend.

[Max C]

TQK will ferry TSV-BNE today as QF6678

[Robert.M]

NHC is in QLK livery, could leave today or tomorrow (hoping the latter).

[Rowan McKeever]

Hasn't shown up on flightaware as yet so Sunday looking good!?

[Robert.M]

Looking like sometime in the week now, hopefully when I'm not busy.

Taken yesterday, not the easiest of photos to get (so not real great).
https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/600/22266129638_731c16b648_c.jpg (https://www.flickr.com/photos/bidgee/22266129638/sizes/l)

[Rowan McKeever]

NHC has filed for WGA-ADL this morning 1100-1140 (local times) and ADL-PER this afternoon 1230-1306 (local times).

http://flightaware.com/live/flight/VHNHC

[Robert.M]

Just backed out of the hangar though VH-XEL is blocking the taxiway.

Poor camera phone photos
https://c2.staticflickr.com/6/5798/21883986263_790d01a3e6_c.jpg
https://c2.staticflickr.com/6/5675/21882447054_f174bbde05_c.jpg

[Robert.M]

Better quality photos posted on the notable movements thread (http://yssyforum.net/board/showpost.php?p=96995&postcount=29)

Also on Instragram, user commented that VH-NQE is next.

[Max C]

TQK ferried BNE-CNS today as QF6670 for maintenance.

[Max C]

TQM will ferry BNE-NLK-AKL tomorrow (06/11) as QF6713/6714

ETA AKL 1315

[Max C]

Another Q300 ferry BNE-NLK-AKL tomorrow (21/11) as QF6713/6714

ETA AKL 1315

Same deal for Monday 23/11.

[Greg Hyde]

Any definite date when the DHC8 start NZ operations ?

[MarkR]

Any definite date when the DHC8 start NZ operations ?

1st Dec for Napier and Nelson, 1st Feb for the other destinations.

[Robert.M]

Wonder what this means for Network's VH-NHM which is currently in the hangar in question!

Regional Express (Rex) today announced that the Wagga Wagga City Council (WWCC) has committed multiple material breaches of the agreement signed by the two parties on 17 July 2015 concerning the lease of the hangar formerly owned by Douglas Aerospace.

Despite constant requests to remedy the material breaches, WWCC has wilfully and deliberately not remedied the material breaches.

WWCC thereby in its action has repudiated the agreement and Rex now considers the agreement terminated by repudiation. Rex will pursue legal avenues to recover damages due to the repudiation.
http://www.dailyadvertiser.com.au/story/3507650/rex-dumps-deal-with-council/?cs=148

[Max C]

VH-SBI went to NZ today

[Robert.M]

NHM returned to Perth today.

[Rowan McKeever]

As QantasLink or as Network, Robert?

[Robert.M]

No idea, was at TEM when it departed.

[Bob C]

Painted in Qantaslink colours ; photo on West Australian Airports Facebook page.

[Robert.M]

Cheers Bob, looks like a visit to WA is in order (though its headed over to Seletar).

[Max C]

VH-TQL will go to NZ on 23/11

[Greg Hyde]

looks like SBI kicked off the service

http://australianaviation.com.au/2015/12/propstar-takes-off-in-new-zealand/

[Greg Hyde]

from skyliners

Boeing 717 -200 55056 5015 VH- QantasLink ferried 07dec15 HEL-NWI, OH-reg for paint ex OH-BLO

[Max C]

TQD & TQK will head to NZ around Jan 20-22.

[Shaal L]

does anyone know what callsign they use for the Jetstar dash ?

[Max C]

Southern Cross.

The ADS-B shows "SCRxxx" for example

[Greg Hyde]

55056 has become YQY

YQY THE BOEING COMPANY 717-200 55056 08/01/2016 ADD QANTAS AIRWAYS LIMITED 10 Bourke Road MASCOT NSW 2020 Australia

[Greg Hyde]

YQY in QLink livery with OH reg.

http://www.airport-data.com/aircraft/photo/001157834L.html

[Greg Hyde]

And another from Skyliners

Boeing 717 -200 55053 5016 OH-BLN Blue 1 ferried 10jan16 HEL-NWI for paint into Qantas link cs, for Cobham Avn Svces ex EC-KHX

[Max C]

Looks like QLink (B717's) are taking over 2 x daily BNE-TSV flights from Qantas from July onwards. There is also an additional BNE-CNS flight on Sunday. Both flights show Business class as bookable.

QLink will also take over more of the BNE-ISA flights from Qantas from March with Business class bookable from July.

Unless there is some shuffling of the CBR flying then more of the B717's will be getting J class.

[Brad Myer]

From mid year looks like the B717 will be removed from BNE-ROK and reduced on the BNE-GLT and BNE-MKY routes.

Could this be where the B717 for the BNE-TSV and extra BNE-ISA services will come from?

Doesn't explain the bookable J class though as the above MKY/ROK and GLT are operated by 1 class B717s.

[Zac M]

There have been suggestions that three single class aircraft will be fitted with J class, this could be what they're using it for?

[Max C]

TQD is scheduled to ferry BNE-NLK-AKL on 15/01

[Rowan McKeever]

Two additional frequencies on BNE-ASP also (Monday & Wednesday). Haven't looked at whether they are all-Y or J/Y.

Also looks like Bundy is losing most, if not all, of its Q400 services.

[MarkR]

Also looks like Bundy is losing most, if not all, of its Q400 services.

Thats significant, given they had the market to themselves until the ATR came along, now they cannot compete?

[Rowan McKeever]

Thats significant, given they had the market to themselves until the ATR came along, now they cannot compete?

On second look, maybe not. There used to be a difference in flying time between Q300 (55min) & Q400 (50min) but looks as though they've just made everything 55min. Q400s are still there on some flights. My mistake!

[Max C]

Two additional frequencies on BNE-ASP also (Monday & Wednesday). Haven't looked at whether they are all-Y or J/Y.

Also looks like Bundy is losing most, if not all, of its Q400 services.

They're still there but the flights times have been made the same as the Q300, same goes for HVB.

The schedule will show EQV (Equipment Varies) whereas before the flights were split with a 5 min difference in the arrival times depending on the variant used.

EDIT: Good timing Rowan.

The downturn in the RMA and MOV flying has allowed the Q400 to take up more of the MKY/ROK/GLT flying.

At its peak, there was up to 12 flights a day BNE-RMA. Now there is 4/5.

There is also the rumour going around that additional Q400's are on their way this year which may allow for the Q300 to exit QLD sometime in the future, but that's all up in the air so to speak!

ZBL (Thangool) and CTL (Charleville) are capable of taking the Q400 without too much works required.

[Brad Myer]

Real question is where are the B73Hs that currently operate TSV going to go?

Perhaps QF have decided to run the current seasonal BNE-WLG and CHC all year round?

[Rowan McKeever]

The downturn in the RMA and MOV flying has allowed the Q400 to take up more of the MKY/ROK/GLT flying.

At its peak, there was up to 12 flights a day BNE-RMA. Now there is 4/5.

I hadn't got around to looking at RMA etc. Doesn't surprise me too much.

All 4 BNE-ASP vv. services are all-Y.

There are a few extra 73H services scattered around the place from the quick look I had, including a 2nd MEL-DRW rotation on Tuesdays and a couple of BNE-CNS rotations a week later in the day than previously. There look to be a couple more BNE-MEL/SYD services, too. Also, PER-SIN is daily soon (if not already), and I thought I'd seen that some of the transcon A330s are becoming 737s?

[Dave Dale]

Real question is where are the B73Hs that currently operate TSV going to go?

Perhaps QF have decided to run the current seasonal BNE-WLG and CHC all year round?

For me, the Brisbane - Christchurch direct flights are a dream. And I thought loads were decent as well when I've been on them over the last few weeks.

Direct sure beats the Sydney transfer experience if travelling from Brisbane.

[Brad Myer]

Looks like B717s are also operating additional services between SYD-HTI

[Rowan McKeever]

Looks like B717s are also operating additional services between SYD-HTI

Quite a few of them too! 4x weekly around August-September :)

[Radi K]

Some of the Q400s need a paint job badly! Serious fading going on.

[Greg Hyde]

first b717 headed south

Boeing 717 -200 55056 5015 VH-YQY Cobham Aviation Services delivery 21jan16 HEL-HBE, QantasLink cs ex OH-BLO

[Zac M]

YQY has just landed in Kolkata, would assume it will continue her ferry via SIN and DRW to CBR (assuming delivery is to CBR)

[Rowan McKeever]

YQY landed SIN at 1451z (1.51am Saturday AEDT). I'd assume, like Zac, it'll most likely head out for DRW later today & arrive CBR or ADL tomorrow

[Grahame Hutchison]

FlightAware has the flight plan for VH-YQY as Singapore, Broome, Adelaide, for a 2038-ACDT arrival

[Greg Hyde]

Must of had favorable winds, arrived 2015-ACDT

http://flightaware.com/live/flight/VHYQY

[Stefan Perkas]

Evening all,

Here is VH-YQY taxiing to the Cobham hanger upon arrival into Adelaide this evening...

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1494/24260798780_a7b5196bfc_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/CXQWf9)
VH-YQY (https://flic.kr/p/CXQWf9) by Stefan P (https://www.flickr.com/photos/53284949@N05/)

[Greg Hyde]

Is YQY ready for service or will it undergo an internal refurb in ADL ?

[Stefan Perkas]

Is YQY ready for service or will it undergo an internal refurb in ADL ?

Its not ready for serivce. I believe it ill undergo configuration and Electrical fittings for I assume IPAD connectivity etc

[Greg Hyde]

thanks, Stefan

[Greg Hyde]

The regional JQ fleet in NZ sits at 5 with QantasLink subsidiary Eastern Australia Airlines operating the following Q300s VH-TQD, VH-TQK, VH-TQL, VH-TQM & VH-SBI on behalf of JQ.

Here is a run down of the fleet arrivals into NZ and their first flights

VH-TQD positioned BNE-NLK-AKL 15-January-2016 and entered service as JQ355 AKL-NPE on 19-January-2016

VH-TQK positioned BNE-NLK-AKL 25-January-2016 and entered service as JQ375 AKL-NSN on 26-January -2016 and flew the inaugural JQ365 AKL-PMR today 01-February-2016

VH-TQL positioned BNE-NLK-AKL 23-November-2015 and entered service as JQ355 AKL-NPE on 01-December-2015

VH-TQM positioned BNE-NLK-AKL 06-November-2015 and entered service as JQ371 on 02-December-2015 and flew the inaugural JQ391 NSN-WLG today 01-February-2016

VH-SBI positioned BNE-NLK-AKL 21-November-2015 and entered service as JQ350 NPE-AKL on 01-December-2015 and flew the inaugural JQ361 AKL-NPL today 01-February-2016

With the launch of todays services JQ will fly 129 weekly services 27 each on the AKL routes with 21 on NSN-WLG

http://nz-aviation-notes.nzompilot.info/

[Greg Hyde]

Next one on the way

Boeing 717 -200 55053 5016 VH-YQX Cobham Aviation Services delivery 05-07feb16 HEL-HBE-AAN-CCU-SIN-BME-ADL, QantasLink cs ex OH-BLN

[Greg Hyde]

More B717's coming onto the market

https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/volotea-to-replace-717s-with-used-a319s-422975/

[Max C]

Rumoured to mainly head to Hawaiian and Delta.

QantasLink haven't had a good run with reliability of late. Last week 3 of the J-class 717's were out of action.

[Max C]

YQY due to ferry ADL-BNE today as QF6200.

[Zac M]

I believe it enters service SYD-HTI on tuesday but that could have changed since i looked!

[Brad Myer]

Is the other new B717 in service yet?

[Zac M]

YQX was delivered about two weeks after YQY, so would expect another two or so weeks before it is.

[Grahame Hutchison]

VH-YQY arrived in Brisbane around 1600L

[Max C]

YQY scheduled to enter service today BNE-ROK as QF1736.

Its first service today BNE-GLT QF1702 has already been reassigned to a Q400 though.

UPDATE: Entry delayed now, all flights back to Q400.

[Greg Hyde]

More B717's coming onto the market

https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/volotea-to-replace-717s-with-used-a319s-422975/

Maybe they should consider some more spares

[Rowan McKeever]

YQY just popped up in flightaware, scheduled to operate QF1553 BNE-CBR this evening.

[Max C]

Fingers-crossed!

YQU will ferry BNE-MCY tonight to allow NXN to finish subbing in for 2-class ops.

[Rowan McKeever]

Fingers crossed indeed! I wondered how they were getting the all-Y aircraft back off the CBR network, that explains that then! Is that the end of all-Y then for now?

[Max C]

Still NXE to go once YQX enters service.

Then from July expect to see more 2-class 717's operating BNE-TSV/CNS/ISA/HTI.

Flights should already show J class for sale on the QF website.

[Zac M]

YQW is still offline for heavy check so id expect NXE to be around until its check is complete even with YQX in service

[Grahame Hutchison]

VH-YQY has just departed YBBN for YSCB as QJE1553 - 1hr 25min to run.

2139-AEDT Just came up on my ADS-B east of Tamworth at FL300 and 387kts.

They are tracking alongside Retro Roo I but it is at FL400 and 393kts heading for Sydney.

2149-AEDT Left to heading 183 degrees, tracking direct YSSY VOR (or TESAT) - Retro Roo I turned left overhead CORKY on descent into YSSY.

[Max C]

YQY went U/S in CBR overnight so flights subbed back to Q400 again.

[Rowan McKeever]

Well that's going well then!

Max, out of curiosity, have you heard anything about which 2 of the all-Y will be reconfigured?

[Max C]

Nothing yet sorry. It should become apparent soon enough as it'll probably take a few weeks each to refit.

[Brad Myer]

Is it confirmed that 2 of the all Y class B717s will become 2-class?

Wonder if they will have a rego change to the YQ range as well?

[Max C]

They'll need extra frames to operate the BNE-ISA/TSV/HTI/CNS flights.

1-2 frames should cover it. I can't see them being able to do it with the existing YQ* frames.

[Steve S... 2]

My "guess" is that having a number of additional Fokker 100's to be delivered for Perth, some of the 717's will be freed up to transfer across to the east coast.

[Rowan McKeever]

YQY has shown up again on flightaware... it will spend its afternoon / evening running QF1535 CBR-MEL, then QF1507 / 1508 / 1509 MEL-HBA-MEL-HBA. Was in the hangar at 11.15am when I drove past, so must've been very close to pushing out.

[Max C]

Not exactly Steve,

There is a change in the mix of QLD flying from July onwards where the Q400 will take over the majority of the BNE-GLT/ROK/MKY B717 flying.

This will free up some B717 capacity to operate the TSV/HTI/CNS/ISA flights.

The Q400 capacity has some from the slowdown in the resource sector resulting in reduced flights to RMA/MOV.

[Rowan McKeever]

Are the 2-class aircraft definitely doing ISA, TSV & CNS then, Max? What about ASP?

[Max C]

It's all bookable at Qantas.com from late July.

All flights ex BNE.

TSV - 2 Daily
CNS - 1 Sat/Sun only
HTI - Mon only
ISA - approx 8 flights weekly

[Rowan McKeever]

Haha I was looking at mid-July! Oops ;)

YQY was apparently a non-starter yet again at lunchtime. NXN looks to have taken over and YQY is now showing as QF1550 CBR-BNE, ETD at 1845 AEDT. I'll believe it when it happens, methinks...

[Steve S... 2]

Earning itself the title of fleet lemon.

I hope it stays away from me when I fly on a 717 from OOL-SYD on 14 April :)

[MarkR]

Earning itself the title of fleet lemon.

I hope it stays away from me when I fly on a 717 from OOL-SYD on 14 April :)

Should have been registered VH- TAA