QantasLink 717s to have Business Class and will fly to Canberra

[Stefan Perkas]

Evening all,

QANTASLink is set to introduce a Business Class cabin on its Boeing 717s, which are currently configured in single class Economy service. These two class 717s will be used on new services between Canberra-Sydney, Canberra-Melbourne and Canberra-Brisbane, replacing 737 services and given the 717s smaller capacity possibly increase frequency on these routes. QANTASLink also uses Dash-8 turbo-prop aircraft on their Canberra flights.

The move mirrors Virgin Australia’s E-Jets which services the same markets which have recently been reconfigured to offer a Business Class product.
The move by QANTAS to deploy its 717s on the Canberra market might not be viewed favourably by its mainline cabin and air crew as it will mean less mainline fly opportunities. It is unclear at this time if the Business Class cabin will be extended to other QANTASLink 717s presently servicing other markets. These changes are expected to take place later on in the year.

Info From: http://www.airlinehubbuzz.com/qantaslink-717s-business-class-will-fly-canberra/

[Rowan McKeever]

Thanks Stefan! This made sense to me when the 5 new units were announced. Wonder if this might be a catalyst for an eventual resumption of CBR-DRW-CBR? Great news anyway as a Canberra-ish resident and 717 fan!! Cheers, Rowan

[Mark Grima]

Great news for us down here in Canberra. More variety and I love the 717 but haven't seen one or been on one in years!

Cheers

M

[Brad Myer]

Qantas Press Release:

QantasLink will upgrade the interiors of five Boeing 717 aircraft to include Business Class and in-flight entertainment for all passengers.

QantasLink Executive Manager John Gissing said the additional five aircraft, which Qantas announced in January 2013, will be in addition to our existing fleet of 13 B717 aircraft operating across Australia.

"QantasLink will introduce a full Business experience on these aircraft, including market-leading seats, premium food and drinks and exceptional onboard service," Mr Gissing said.

"We will also be providing individual in-flight entertainment for all customers - both Business and Economy - and are currently testing the latest technology.

"The continued investment in our fleet shows the commitment and confidence that we have in the Australian domestic market and regional Australia."

Mr Gissing said QantasLink would be progressively introducing the five aircraft into service from late 2013, after the interior improvements are completed.

"The first aircraft will be used on Sydney-Canberra, Brisbane-Canberra and Melbourne-Canberra, with the B717 aircraft size and configuration ideally suited to these routes," he said.

Cobham, which currently operates QantasLink’s fleet of Boeing 717 aircraft, will operate the five additional aircraft.

Some Qantas Boeing 737 aircraft will be redeployed to other parts of the Qantas domestic network.

QantasLink is Australia’s largest regional airline and operates a network of 58 metropolitan and country destinations across Australia as well as to Port Moresby.

Anyone know if all the B717 will get Biz class and IFE?

[Steve S... 2]

That is great news.

You do have to wonder though, in addition to the next five 717's - if they will source even more 717's down the track.

[Kent Broadhead]

It'll be interesting to see what happens with the Q400s, and whether they still run them against Virgin ATR services.

[Zac M]

I think you will find (and I'm only guessing) that it will probably be only peak runs for Sydney, Q400s operating during the day, and daytime to MEL and BNE.

[Rowan McKeever]

Yeah that makes sense to me Zac... the 'bookends' on MEL and BNE still need a 737 but not so much through the day... the SYD jet runs after about 8am and then again after about 7pm not so much, from my experience.

[Julian L]

Awesome, looking forward to seeing 717's back at SYD.

Does anyone have a date when the 717's will start the SYD-CBR route?

[Nigel C]

At present only Bays 8 and 17 at T3 are set up for taking the B717 in Sydney. If only 5 aircraft will be rotating through the Canberra/east coast then I don't think there'd be much of a need for more bays to be set up.

[Ash W]

ABOUT time! Afterall the Qantas maintenance hanger was built for the 717's, back before Qantas brought out Impulse yet don't think they ever flew to Canberra, or if they did it wasn't for too long.

Though reading the release it seems as if these are replacements for the 734's not the Q400's.

[Rowan McKeever]

Is there any indication what the regos might be for these? NXA-NXZ are all taken except NXF and NXU which appear on the available marks register, so assume the newbies will be in a different series? Anyone heard anything?

Cheers
Rowan

[Philip Argy]

Q400s are OK but I much prefer to board/deplane via an aerobridge - don't like winter outings on the tarmac!

[Ash W]

Yeah they are ok except for the lack of cabin baggage space, even for 1 small sized bag that was brought specifically to fit dash-8 aicraft.

[Jacob L]

Can't wait for something different to come around while spotting at the fence.

Does anybody know what routes they will be flying on.

Cheers

Jacob:o

[Rowan McKeever]

Hey Jacob! I'm excited to see them back here too (although these newbies have never flown to CBR before). They'll start on Canberra to SYD, MEL & BNE but my opinion is I'd expect them eventually to show up on ADL as well, perhaps even Adelaide to SYD & MEL. Cheers, Rowan

[Jacob L]

Thanks Rowan for that

Jacob

[Max C]

Flights loaded and start mid Nov.

[Rowan McKeever]

Starting 15 November with QF1545 BNE/CBR. Interesting SYD only scores 1 return a week until mid-December, rest of ops will be to BNE and MEL.

Also QF have loaded a seat map on their website and looks like YQS is the first registration, presumably to be LN5128 (ex N406BC) based on the various sources.

[Peter Agatsiotis]

Yes Rowan that's what I have too, all ex Mexicana Click/Midwest frames.
Skyliner news had c/n 55178 ex XA-CLE on the move from Victorville that was 2 weeks ago so more will ferry out soon I'd imagine.

[Max C]

1 toilet for 98 Y Passengers, enjoy! :eek:

[Ash W]

They have also put up a press release with images and a bit about the IFE. Streaming it is, it seems.

http://www.qantasnewsroom.com.au/media-releases/images-qantas-b717-preview

[Rowan McKeever]

Yes Rowan that's what I have too, all ex Mexicana Click/Midwest frames.
Skyliner news had c/n 55178 ex XA-CLE on the move from Victorville that was 2 weeks ago so more will ferry out soon I'd imagine.

You don't happen to know the other 4 regos do you Peter??

[Peter Agatsiotis]

Not at this stage Rowan, will check Skyliner regularly so will post if I see anything.

[Matthew Chisholm]

Love the B717.

[Rowan McKeever]

Thanks Peter! I've been checking regularly too, something told me to check for a seat map today with all the previews going on!

Just had a look at CASA info online... there are no YQ* marks listed as available and only YQA and YQB currently (last Monday) allocated to aircraft... and the seat map shows YQS as the rego for #1. So assuming the 5 aircraft will all be YQ* marks that leaves 23 possibilities for 4 more aircraft! Not much chance of guessing :P

I'm with you on that Matt... so much so I'm actually thinking of an overnighter to BNE to come back on the first revenue flight!

[Peter Agatsiotis]

From memory didn't the Strategic A320's have YQ* reg's?

[Stefan Perkas]

Evening all,

Schedules have been released for B717's flights to Sydney, Brisbane & Melbourne- Canberra flights.

Sydney's schedule

From 21/11/13 to 12/12/13

Operates Thursday’s
QF1518 Dep CBR 1600 Arr SYD 1655
QF1519 Dep SYD 1735 Arr CBR 1800

Beginning 17/12/13

Monday’s
QF1518 Dep CBR 1600 Arr SYD 0740
QF1521 Dep SYD 1755 Arr CBR 1850

Tuesday ’s
QF1510 Dep CBR 0645 Arr SYD 1655
QF1513 Dep SYD 0820 Arr CBR 0915

QF1516 Dep CBR 0955 Arr SYD 1050
QF1517 Dep SYD 1655 Arr CBR 1750

QF1522 Dep CBR 1830 Arr SYD 1925 (Overnights in Sydney)

Wednesday’s
QF1511 Dep SYD 0720 Arr CBR 0815

QF1518 Dep CBR 1600 Arr SYD 1655
QF1521 Dep SYD 1755 Arr CBR 1850

Thursday’s
QF1518 Dep CBR 1600 Arr SYD 1655
QF1519 Dep SYD 1735 Arr CBR 1830

Friday’s
QF1510 Dep CBR 0645 Arr SYD 0740
QF1513 Dep SYD 0820 Arr CBR 0915

*For the of January 2014 B717 flights reduce to 3 times a week*

Melbourne's Schedule

From 13/11/13- 15/12/13

Operates Thursday
QF1527 Dep CBR 0640 Arr MEL 0750
QF1526 Dep MEL 0835 Arr CBR 0940

QF1533 Dep CBR 1020 Arr MEL 1130
QF1532 Dep MEL 1415 Arr CBR 1520

Operates Saturday
QF1527 Dep CBR 0640 Arr MEL 0750
QF1526 Dep MEL 0835 Arr CBR 0940

QF1533 Dep CBR 1020 Arr MEL 1130
QF1532 Dep MEL 1315 Arr CBR 1420

Beginning16/12/13

Monday’s
QF1529 Dep CBR 0840 Arr MEL 0950
QF1528 Dep MEL 1040 Arr CBR 1145

QF1535 Dep CBR 1225 Arr MEL 1130
QF1534 Dep MEL 1315 Arr CBR 1420

Wednesday's
QF1533 Dep CBR 1020 Arr MEL 1130
QF1532 Dep MEL 1315 Arr CBR 1420

QF1539 Dep CBR 1710 Arr MEL 1820 (beginning 19/2/14)
QF1540 Dep MEL 1900 Arr CBR 2005 (beginning 19/2/14)

Thursday’s
QF1527 Dep CBR 0640 Arr MEL 0750
QF1526 Dep MEL 0835 Arr CBR 0940

QF1533 Dep CBR 1020 Arr MEL 1130
QF1534 Dep MEL 1315 Arr CBR 1420

Friday’s
QF1533 Dep CBR 1020 Arr MEL 1130
QF1532 Dep MEL 1315 Arr CBR 1420

QF1539 Dep CBR 1500 Arr MEL 1610
QF1540 Dep MEL 1650 Arr CBR 1755

Saturday’s
QF1527 Dep CBR 0640 Arr MEL 0750
QF1526 Dep MEL 0835 Arr CBR 0940

QF1533 Dep CBR 1020 Arr MEL 1130
QF1532 Dep MEL 1315 Arr CBR 1420

[Brad Myer]

Does the schedule look very light for 5 operating aircraft? Even in FEB onwards...

[Stefan Perkas]

Here is Brisbane's schedule...

From 15/11/13 to 13/12/13 (12 a week)

Canberra to Brisbane
QF1544 Dep CBR 0920 Arr BNE 1005 (Operates Sunday)
QF1546 Dep CBR 1205 Arr BNE 1250 (Operates Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday & Friday)
QF1548 Dep CBR 1415 Arr BNE 1500 (Operates Sunday)
QF1550 Dep CBR 1740 Arr BNE 1825 (Operates Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday & Friday)
QF1554 Dep CBR 1930 Arr BNE 2015 (Operates Wednesday & Friday)

Brisbane to Canberra
QF1545 Dep BNE 0835 Arr CBR 1125 (Operates Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday & Friday)
QF1547 Dep BNE 1045 Arr CBR 1335 (Operates Sunday)
QF1549 Dep BNE 1410 Arr CBR 1700 (Operates Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday & Friday)
QF1551 Dep BNE 1540 Arr CBR 1830 (Operates Sunday)
QF1553 Dep BNE 1905 Arr CBR 2155 (Operates Wednesday & Friday)

Beginning 17/12/13- Mid-February 2014 (18 a week)

Canberra to Brisbane
QF1544 Dep CBR 0920 Arr BNE 1005 (Operates Sunday)
QF1546 Dep CBR 1205 Arr BNE 1250 (Operates Daily)
QF1550 Dep CBR 1740 Arr BNE 1825 (Operates Monday to Saturday)
QF1554 Dep CBR 1930 Arr BNE 2015 (Operates Sunday, Wednesday to Friday)

Brisbane to Canberra
QF1545 Dep BNE 0835 Arr CBR 1125 (Operates Daily)
QF1549 Dep BNE 1410 Arr CBR 1700 (Operates Daily)
QF1551 Dep BNE 1540 Arr CBR 1830 (Operates Sunday)
QF1553 Dep BNE 1905 Arr CBR 2155 (Operates Wednesday to Friday)

From Mid-February 2014 (22 a week)

Canberra to Brisbane
QF1544 Dep CBR 0920 Arr BNE 1005 (Operates Sunday)
QF1546 Dep CBR 1205 Arr BNE 1250 (Operates Daily)
QF1548 Dep CBR 1415 Arr BNE 1500 (Operates Sunday)
QF1550 Dep CBR 1740 Arr BNE 1825 (Operates Daily)
QF1554 Dep CBR 1930 Arr BNE 2015 (Operates Sunday to Friday)

Brisbane to Canberra
QF1545 Dep BNE 0510 Arr CBR 0800 (Operates Monday)
QF1545 Dep BNE 0835 Arr CBR 1125 (Operates Daily)
QF1547 Dep BNE 1045 Arr CBR 1335 (Operates Sunday)
QF1549 Dep BNE 1410 Arr CBR 1700 (Operates Daily)
QF1551 Dep BNE 1540 Arr CBR 1830 (Operates Sunday)
QF1553 Dep BNE 1905 Arr CBR 2155 (Operates Monday to Friday)

[lloyd fox]

There was never going to be 5 aircraft on CBR only 4.

[Greg Hyde]

Next B717 moved from VCV for its markover (from Skyliners)

Boeing 717 -200 55179 5129 N917ME Bcc Equipment Leasing ferried 30aug13 VCV-VQQ prior lease to Cobham/QantasLink

[Rowan McKeever]

There's been a bit of chatter around various forums that one of the two-class 717s will be HBA-based. Is there any info around about the HBA-based flying pattern? I'm imagining either HBA-MEL-XXX-MEL-HBA or HBA-MEL-HBA-ADL-HBA-MEL-HBA based on the chatter, although to me a 717 seems a bit much aircraft for the latter (it's been a very long time since QF flew ADL-HBA, and the route has been tried by Virgin and Tiger without much success). Any thoughts?

Cheers
Rowan

[Ash W]

Don't know about it being chatter, as Cobham have advertised for crew to be based in Hobart. So would seem like it is fact.

[Rowan McKeever]

Fair call Ash... I meant chatter about the 717 to be based in HBA, in that there's been some talk that one will but no info around about what it will be doing.

[Ryan K]

I'm imagining either HBA-MEL-XXX-MEL-HBA or HBA-MEL-HBA-ADL-HBA-MEL-HBA based on the chatter, although to me a 717 seems a bit much aircraft for the latter (it's been a very long time since QF flew ADL-HBA, and the route has been tried by Virgin and Tiger without much success). Any thoughts?

Cheers
Rowan

I don't remember QF ever flying HBA-ADL. When was this? Southern (QF) used to fly LST-ADL with the BAe 146-200 and Tiger, Virgin and Jetstar have all had a go at HBA-ADL.

[Rowan McKeever]

Maybe was LST I was thinking of then, not HBA. I remembered Southern or Airlink flying Tassie-ADL with 146s. When did JQ do ADL-HBA?

[Ryan K]

I think Jetstar and Virgin started HBA-ADL flights around 2006. They didn't last long though. Virgin ended up servicing the route with an E70 and still couldn't sustain it. I think a 717 would be overkill.

[Rowan McKeever]

Yeah agreed it's overkill Ryan! Thanks for the info on JQ... I also didn't realise VA dropped to E70 before they ended it. Cheers!

[Ryan K]

No worries Rowan.

Let's hope QF do put the 717 into HBA, especially early morning and evening. The early morning Q400 is ridiculous considering VA use a 738 with business class. It's slow and gets in to MEL too late for most business people.

[Neil L]

Be nice to see B-717 replacing Q400 in LST as well

[Ryan K]

It would indeed. QF 717's used to service LST-MEL and LST-SYD prior to JQ and QF Q400's coming in.

[JamesL]

I think you will find that the 717 will replace the Q400 and will more then likely operate HBA-MEL-CBR(Change over of frames + SYD runs)-MEL-HBA

[Rowan McKeever]

That's more the kind of pattern I would've expected, thanks James :)

[Greg Hyde]

Skyliners reports that the 1st one has commenced its delivery flight

Boeing 717 -2BL 55178 5128 VH- Cobham / Qantaslink delivery 23sep13 VQQ-BIL-ANC, N-reg ex N406BC

[Greg Hyde]

ADD YQS THE BOEING COMPANY 717-200 55178 1/10/2013 BCC EQUIPMENT LEASING CORPORATION
PO BOX 3707,
MC 6Y1-02
SEATTLE
WASHINGTON 98124-2207 NATIONAL JET SYSTEMS PTY LTD
National Drive,
ADELAIDE AIRPORT
SA 5950

Expect to enter service shortly

[Stefan Perkas]

As of yesterday VH-YQS was still sitting outside the Cobham Hanger in Adelaide. It still has N406BC on it. It has not moved since it arrived a couple of weeks ago.

[Ryan K]

Does anyone know when the Boeing 717 schedules will be announced for the HBA to MEL and SYD services?

[Tom PER]

Yqs 55178
yqt 55179
yqu 55180
yqv 55193
yqw 55194

[MarkR]

I think you will find that the 717 will replace the Q400 and will more then likely operate HBA-MEL-CBR(Change over of frames + SYD runs)-MEL-HBA

The Q400 will stay and the 717 replaces all 737 services, effectively meaning mainline is withdrawing from HBA, hence the sweetener about the crew base.

[MarkR]

Skyliners reports that the 1st one has commenced its delivery flight

Boeing 717 -2BL 55178 5128 VH- Cobham / Qantaslink delivery 23sep13 VQQ-BIL-ANC, N-reg ex N406BC

Wonder how many Qantas birds come across another during their delivery flight at unusual airports for QF such as Sapporo:

http://www.news.com.au/travel/world-travel/gallery-e6frfqai-1226735706922?page=7

[Max C]

The Q400 is going to be redeployed, it was in the press release I believe.

http://www.qantasnewsroom.com.au/media-releases/new-boeing-717-jets-to-fly-from-hobart

[Rowan McKeever]

The Q400 will stay and the 717 replaces all 737 services, effectively meaning mainline is withdrawing from HBA, hence the sweetener about the crew base.

That isn't what the Qantas press release (http://www.qantasnewsroom.com.au/media-releases/new-boeing-717-jets-to-fly-from-hobart) says... paragraphs 1 and 8

[Rowan McKeever]

The next 717 is on its way over, per skyliner-aviation.de

Boeing 717 -2BL 55179 5129 VH- Cobham / Qantaslink delivery 27oct13 VQQ-BIL-ANC, N-reg ex N917ME

Presumably to be YQT?

[Stefan Perkas]

N917ME (to become VH-YQT) arrived into Adelaide this afternoon as SXA1072 from Darwin.

[Rowan McKeever]

From www.skyliners-aviation.de - another one heading to Florida for mods:

Boeing 717 -2BL 55193 5153 VH- Cobham / Qantaslink ferried 31oct13 VCV-VQQ, N-reg prior delivery ex N927ME

[Rowan McKeever]

So the original plan was for 2-class B717s ops to commence tomorrow with QF1545 BNE-CBR. This appears to have been pulled as it no longer shows on Qantas or airport websites, and there are several B737 services with QF12xx flight numbers. It looks, from QF's online schedule, like Monday will be the go-date with QF1545.

There is a QF1599 scheduled (QF website) out of BNE this afternoon at 1500L and into CBR at 1750L, and showing as a B717. Is this happening or an oversight during removal of the B717 schedules for this week? If happening, will this be YQS or is it a NXx series dropping by CBR for a familiarisation visit? In any case is there currently a scheduled departure for this aircraft?

Does anyone know why the EIS has been pushed back?

Cheers
Rowan

[Stefan Perkas]

There might have been a delay with YQS. It did an test flight around Adelaide last night. I have bit heard about any departure time yet.

N917ME (to become VH-YQT) went into the Cobham hanger walker in the week.

[Greg Hyde]

Service entry put back to the 21/11

[Rowan McKeever]

Cheers Greg. Any idea what the hold up is with YQS? Was scheduled for a quick flight this arvo but hasn't gone as yet. Down again for the morning. (So says flightaware)

[Rowan McKeever]

YQS is airborne on a test at ADL right now.

Just overheard on liveatc: "YQS, we're testing some new equipment for the cabin passengers and it's not working" which presumably explains the delay in EIS

[Rowan McKeever]

YQS en route ADL-BNE now as QJE6200. Should be positioning for imminent EIS :)

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

[Max C]

It all starts tomorrow (19/11)

[Rowan McKeever]

That's what I was thinking Max, ta :)

[Greg Hyde]

QF Source has been reporting the B737's doing Canberra extras while the B717s come into service.

[Zac M]

I'll be on the first Canberra-Brisbane service tomorrow, can't wait!!

[Greg Hyde]

I think we all missed this one:
VH-YQT/55179 was registered on 04/11/2013

c/n 55193 is in Miami being refurbished.
c/n 55180/55194 are still stored in Victorville.

Will the 5 being in service by the end of the year ?

[Rowan McKeever]

Enjoy it Zac! Would've loved to join you... damn work!

[Kent Broadhead]

It'll be nice to see them back in YSSY. Pity no Cockatoo on the tail this time :)

[Ash W]

Nice to finally see them coming to Canberra too, pity though they are not using the hanger that the nice residents of the ACT helped pay for!

[Zac M]

Wrong Ash, they will most definitely be using the hanger

[Ash W]

Good news then, but must admit first time I have heard that Cobham are going to do 717 maintenance there. Would have though they would have been done in Adelaide.

[Rowan McKeever]

Was just messing around in QF's online schedule and there's work for 2 B717s from Sunday 15 December. So I figure YQT is either due to enter service that day OR will enter service before then and cover YQS to have some base Mx done?

[Brenden S]

The Canberra hangar was originally built for the B717 and to carry out Heavy maintenance on them. The YQ series of rego's is purely based on the east coast, so it is pretty pointless sending them to ADL for maintenance.

[Rowan McKeever]

Had my first ride on YQS last Friday. I'd rate it over the B738s VXA-VXU, VYA-VYL and VZA-VZR, maybe not over the BSI. Comparing to BSI brings me to one slight disappointment which is they made no effort with the overhead units (maybe there's nothing that can be done?). The other disappointment is the 125Y B717s don't use the same seat model as the YQ* which are WAAAAAAAY more comfortable!

Also, any clues as to when the HBA schedules will come out?

[Greg Hyde]

VH-YQT ferried Adelaide to Brisbane prior entry into service (13/12/2013)

[Max C]

HBA Schedules to be announced today.

[Brad Myer]

Hopefully the new HBA schedules will be an improvement over the existing ones...

Anyone seen them published yet?

[Joseph Saragozza.]

I've seen the illustrated ones but has any images of the new cabin been floating around?
Done a search on google and couldn't find anything.

[Max C]

Schedules are loaded into Qantas.com.au

MEL-HBA from June
4 x Daily M.WTF.S
3 x Daily .T...S.

SYD-HBA from Apr
1 X Daily MTWTFSS

[Greg Hyde]

Try

googling "qantas 717 cabin"

http://qmrcdn.qantasnewsroom.com.au/bc/957692702c3349e8d0629e857c55e0/B717-fact-sheet-Aug13_d1.pdf

press release on pics

[Ryan K]

Great to see the return of the 6am departure out of HBA. However, it's a shame to see a reduction in seats on the SYD-HBA-SYD service.

[Brandon Giacomin]

Effective Tuesday, April 15

SYD-HBA
QF1509 SYD 0925 HBA 1120 B712 D

HBA-SYD
QF1508 HBA 1200 SYD 1345 B712 D

Effective Sunday, June 1

MEL-HBA
QF1501 MEL 0755 HBA 0910 B712 x6
QF1501 MEL 0855 HBA 1010 B712 6
QF1503 MEL 1140 HBA 1255 B712 x26
QF1505 MEL 1510 HBA 1625 B712 6
QF1505 MEL 1525 HBA 1640 B712 x6
QF1507 MEL 1905 HBA 2020 B712 6
QF1507 MEL 1915 HBA 2030 B712 x6

HBA-MEL
QF1500 HBA 0600 MEL 0715 B712 x6
QF1500 HBA 0700 MEL 0815 B712 6
QF1502 HBA 0945 MEL 1100 B712 x6
QF1502 HBA 1045 MEL 1200 B712 6
QF1504 HBA 1330 MEL 1445 B712 x26
QF1506 HBA 1705 MEL 1820 B712 6
QF1506 HBA 1720 MEL 1835 B712 x6

[Zac M]

VH-YQU (using rego N795BC/flight no SXA1098) is on the way from the US!

[Brandon Giacomin]

N795BC (VH-YQU) is due into Darwin tonight. I assume she will fly to Adelaide tomorrow morning.

[JamesL]

I wonder how the SYD-GLT in the 400 is going...?

[Ryan K]

Not sure if anyone's said it - but questions need to be asked of a management that (in the first place) thinks a Q400 is a suitable replacement for the 717.

Despite the hype and many many Q400 and 717 flights - there is just no comparison.

The Q400 is just a loooong classic Dash 8 - no difference in comfort - the same trudge across the tarmac or Bus - and the 'Q' is only REALLY relevant if you are comparing it to a DC-3 (when compared to most jets). The Q400 has the same small seats and tray tables, with the same narrow aisle and toilet that is really only suitable for a dwarf.

If its not been announced already, watch out for OOL, MCY, and HTI! They'll be next for the 717.

Sorry, I'm a bit confused. At which ports is Qantas replacing 717's with a Q400? Certainly in the case of HBA, 717's are replacing 738's and Q400's.

[Brad Myer]

The 717s replaced some Q400 services from BNE-GLT, MKY, and ROK.

The only way more 717 routes could be operated is if more 717s are replaced by 737s in WA.

No more 717s are available to purchase or lease atm

[Ash W]

Sorry, I'm a bit confused. At which ports is Qantas replacing 717's with a Q400? Certainly in the case of HBA, 717's are replacing 738's and Q400's.

Glad I am not the only one confused with the post. Besides what the poster has overlooked is capacity. Q400's are 70 seaters, 717 100-110 so not in the same class. As you mention for the most part the "new" 717's are replacing 737's mostly 734's certainly not Q400's replacing 717's.

[Ryan K]

Yep, spot on.

[MarkR]

I wonder how the SYD-GLT in the 400 is going...?

Good enough to require supplemental capacity in the form of a 717 the other day.

[MarkR]

No more 717s are available to purchase or lease atm

There are at least two available for lease and one for sale.

[Max C]

The 717 SYD-GLT was a charter.
738 did 2 x GLT-BNE runs today as well.

[Rowan McKeever]

Where are those three available from?

[Greg Hyde]

From QF Source:

December 23, 2013

QANTASLink B717-200 VH-NXN Positions for Gladstone – Sydney Extra.

QANTASLink Boeing 717-231 VH-NXN positioned Brisbane – Gladstone as QF6200 this morning in order to operate a Gladstone – Sydney extra as QF1956. The aircraft then positioned Sydney – Brisbane as QF6201.

QANTAS B737-800 VH-VZY Positions for Gladstone Extras.

QANTAS Boeing 737-838 VH-VZY positioned Brisbane – Gladstone as QF6100 this morning in order to operate a Gladstone – Brisbane extra as QF1351. The aircraft then positioned Brisbane – Gladstone again as QF6102 to operate a further Gladstone – Brisbane extra as QF1353.

[MarkR]

The 717 SYD-GLT was a charter.
738 did 2 x GLT-BNE runs today as well.

Not a charter, in the case of yesterday and last week both flew under RPT flight numbers QF1956.

[Max C]

Definitely was a Charter.
QF1956-1959 are Charter flights
QF1700-1955 are RPT

Info is from the QF flight number range table, and I was there and spoke to the ground staff dealing with the flight.

[Rowan McKeever]

Does anyone know the EIS date for YQU?

Ta
Rowan

[Zac M]

Approx FEB15 the schedule ramps up again, that's not to say that the other two won't have stints offline before that though

[Rowan McKeever]

Thanks Zac!

[Stefan Perkas]

Evening all,

It appears that the B717's will operate 1 flight on Weekdays operating Sydney-Adelaide-Sydney starting 15/4/14.

QF1555 Dep SYD 1125 Arr ADL 1305
QF1560 Dep ADL 1345 Arr SYD 1610

Days of operations vary for the 1st couple of weeks of operation due to Easter. Here is the breakdown over that period...

15/4/14- 18/4/14 (Operates Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday)
22/4/14- 25/4/14 (Operates Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday & Friday)
From 28/4/14 flights will operate Monday-Friday.

[Zac M]

Today saw YQS launch the QJE1555/1560 rotation to ADL-HBA as mentioned in the previous post and YQV also launched services from SYD - HBA, not sure if both or only one of these is daily at this point.

[Jarden S]

^^ ZAC I think you ment ADL to SYD not ADL to HBA.

[Zac M]

I sure did, I typed ADL-HBA on my phone once now every time I type ADL or anything similar it auto corrects to that :/

[Mike W]

Ah, the wonderful iOS I ditched for Android recently with no regrets

[Othman Al Saud]

Hi guys, has anyone traveled on the new configuration B717 so far from the east coast? I have had many experiences on MD-90 flights before 2011 which I found it quite comfortable in J & Y classes

[Rowan McKeever]

I have and they're very nice. The Y seats are quite comfy and they have a fresh, airy feel in the cabin. My favourite of the Aussie domestic fleet.

[Othman Al Saud]

I have and they're very nice. The Y seats are quite comfy and they have a fresh, airy feel in the cabin. My favourite of the Aussie domestic fleet.

Yes I just found a thread in regards to the new product, http://australianaviation.com.au/2013/08/qantas-previews-new-a330-717-interiors/

I made reservations on the following route from MEL to SYD, lets test the new product!

QF01528 (MEL-CBR)
11:10 - 12:15 B717


QF01520 (CBR-SYD)
17:05 - 17:55 B717


QF01513 (SYD-CBR)
0820 - 0915 B717

QF01541 (CBR-MEL)
17:10 - 1820 B717

[Greg Hyde]

Any idea when VH-YQW is scheduled to enter service ?

[Rowan McKeever]

Hey Greg! Pretty sure I've seen 1 June as the start date for 717s on MEL-HBA so imagine it's about then? Only reason it'd be before that is if one of the others needs to go for scheduled maintenance.