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/qantas...-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.