QantasLink changes in 2015
 

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!?

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.

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!

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.

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.

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

They also plan to reduce the fleet as well. But increase flying of remaining aircraft to make up the capacity shortfall.
http://australianaviation.com.au/201...-cutting-move/

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

Changes take effect from March 29 2015.

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

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.