Western Australian travellers are set to benefit from a multi-million-dollar upgrade to the QantasLink fleet, with the airline confirming major cabin enhancements across its Airbus aircraft and the arrival of the first Embraer E190 jets to replace its long-serving Fokker 100s.
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The investment is expected to improve comfort, reliability and connectivity for passengers travelling across regional Western Australia, including workers supporting the stateโs critical resources industry.
Under the program, QantasLinkโs WA-based operator Network Aviation will begin upgrading its fleet of 28 Airbus A320 and A319 aircraft with onboard Wi-Fi, allowing customers to stream movies and television programs on their personal devices via the Qantas Entertainment App.
The A320 aircraft will also be fitted with new seats featuring USB-A and USB-C charging ports, as well as integrated holders for portable devices.
The first refurbished aircraft is scheduled to enter service later this year, with the full cabin refresh and Wi-Fi rollout expected to be completed by early 2027.
QantasLink has also confirmed it has secured the first three mid-life Embraer E190 aircraft, which are expected to begin arriving by the end of the year. The jets will progressively replace Network Aviationโs Fokker 100 fleet.
In total, up to 14 E190s will be introduced, offering improved fuel efficiency, increased reliability and enhanced passenger comfort. The F100s, which have formed the backbone of Network Aviationโs operations for more than 30 years, are being gradually retired as Airbus A320 aircraft are transferred from Jetstar Asia and the E190s enter service.
The WA upgrades form part of the broader Qantas Group fleet renewal program, which includes firm orders for more than 200 new aircraft and cabin refurbishments across Qantasโ Boeing 737 and A330 fleets. Those upgrades will feature new business and economy seats and larger overhead lockers.
QantasLink chief executive Mark Dal Pra said the investment underscored the airlineโs long-term commitment to Western Australia.
โThis multi-million-dollar investment reinforces our long-term commitment to serving the critical resources sector in Western Australia and connecting regional communities across the state,โ he said.
โNot only will it significantly enhance the travel experience for our customers, it will also help us improve reliability and efficiency across our WA network.โ
Mr Dal Pra said the upgrades also supported Qantasโ broader strategy of developing Perth as a key western hub, following recent investments in training facilities, airport infrastructure and the launch of new domestic and international routes, including services to Newcastle, Hobart, Johannesburg and Auckland.
