Quantcast

QantasLink plans major fleet overhaul with new Embraer aircraft

A No-Frills Airline Is Getting Into the Premium Game
TAKING OFF: Major airline introduces new inflight service rules with less time to order your drinks
2 Delta flight attendants fail breathalyzer test before flight to JFK
EasyJet reveals plans for new flights from regional UK airport next summer
US Senate panel criticizes rising airline seat fees, will call execs to testify
Spirit’s Demise Is a Lesson in ‘Airline-o-nomics’
Inside BA’s new first-class suites: £800 an hour for most private seat
Focus: US airline flight crews confident and angry as unions seek richer contracts
Hawaiian Airlines Eliminates Widebody Route Amid Alaska Airlines Merger
US budget airlines are struggling. Will pursuing premium passengers solve their problems?
Delta CEO says the Trump administration will reverse government ‘overreach’ seen under Biden
Spirit Airlines files for bankruptcy: How will it affect your travel plans?
British Airways yet to identify cause of latest IT meltdown
Delta Airlines Will Start Serving Shake Shack Cheeseburgers Next Month
United Sees Nearly 30% Surge in Travel to European Christmas Markets
Budget airline Israir to launch flights between Israel and NY, ending wartime monopoly by flagship carrier El Al
Asia's airlines blame supply chain woes for disrupted operations
Qantas and Qatar Airways: Planned partnership in the Australian aviation industry under the microscope
Spirit Airlines delays release of Q3 financial results as debt restructuring talks heat up
Delta investigating after plane’s nose mysteriously suffered damage
What Elon Musk's Starlink means for airlines
CAP OFF Major twist in Dublin Airport passenger cap row as High Court pauses decision in victory for airlines next summer season
Riyadh Air plans new jet order decision early next year
Calls for a blanket ban on politicians receiving free flight upgrades
Wizz Air Loses Challenge Against EU-Approved Romanian Aid for TAROM
Southwest, Other Airlines Plan a Shake-Up. Why They Need More to Boost Their Stocks.
One of Boeing's biggest customers leveled fresh criticism over ongoing 737 Max delivery delays
Low-Cost Airlines Innovate with Subscription Models
LA Considers $25 And $30 Minimum Wages For Hotel And Airport Workers
Airlines are on the hook for more than you think if something goes wrong with your trip
QantasLink plans major fleet overhaul with new Embraer aircraft
Policy
Webp qantaslink
QantasLink | Official Website

Qantas is set to upgrade its QantasLink fleet, the regional brand of the airline group. Flights under this brand are operated by Eastern Australian Airlines, National Jet Systems, Network Aviation, and Sunstate Airlines. Currently, Network Aviation operates 15 Fokker 100 aircrafts, which are among fewer than 60 still in operation worldwide. These planes will soon be replaced by Embraer E190 models.

Starting in late 2026, Network Aviation will add 14 second-hand Embraer E190s to its fleet. Additionally, four Airbus A320s will begin service with Network Aviation later in 2025 as four Fokker 100s are phased out. This change is part of a broader renewal strategy for the QantasLink fleet.

The new Embraer E190s entering service with QantasLink starting in late 2026 are mid-life aircraft acquired secondhand and expected to have another decade or more of flying potential. Though these planes are new to Network Aviation, there are already Embraer E190s operating for QantasLink under a wet-lease agreement with Alliance Airlines.

Get the Newsletter
Sign-up to receive weekly round up of news from Sky Industry News
By submitting, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. By providing your phone number you are opting in and consenting to receive recurring SMS/MMS messages, including automated texts, to that number from our short code. Msg & data rates may apply. Reply HELP for help, STOP to end. SMS opt-in will not be sold, rented, or shared.

While these additional E190s have not yet been procured as Qantas explores sourcing options, they remain the preferred choice to replace the aging Fokkers. The current arrangement sees Alliance Airlines flying existing Embraers; however, the upcoming batch of E190s and A320s will be integrated into Network Aviation's operations.

Both aircraft types offer similar seating capacities but differ in configuration: the Fokker 100 has five-abreast seating while the E190 offers a four-abreast layout. The specific configuration for Network Aviation’s incoming planes remains undisclosed; however, those flown by Alliance Airlines include a business-class section—an upgrade from the all-economy layout of the Fokker 100.

The average age of the Fokker 100 fleet is around 32 years old, with some models reaching up to 35 years in service. Developed in the '80s as an updated version of the F28 model and predating other popular models like Airbus A320 and Boeing's next-generation series, only about half were ever built compared to competitors due to lower demand and efficiency issues over time.

Despite their historical significance and appeal among aviation enthusiasts for their uniqueness, replacing them with more modern Embraers should enhance overall passenger experience thanks largely due absence middle seats larger windows possible inclusion business class cabins which would improve upon existing all-economy configurations found within retiring Dutch-built jets

In December last year saw National Jet Systems—a key player within broader umbrella receive first deliveries from order placed towards end previous calendar year encompassing total number nearing thirty units latest generation narrow-body twin-engine commercial airliners manufactured by European aerospace giant intended supplement retirements including phased-out Boeing model seven-one-seven meanwhile long-term goal involves streamlining operations across regional network utilizing primarily select few remaining legacy designs supplemented newer acquisitions such aforementioned alongside others drawn predominantly secondary market supply channels except where noted otherwise case newly introduced airbus variant

Furthermore aside mentioned pending orders anticipated arrivals significant changes widebody sector anticipated future notably involve transition away reliance heavily outdated fleets toward more advanced technologically capable platforms capable meeting growing demands associated increasing global travel requirements necessitating greater emphasis placed ensuring sustainability operational efficiencies throughout various facets corporate structure ongoing pursuit continuous improvement industry-leading standards customer satisfaction levels ultimately enhancing brand reputation profitability metrics alike crucial maintaining competitive edge dynamic evolving marketplace conditions moving forward into foreseeable future

Organizations Included in this History
More News

Ethiopian Airlines has announced the launch of a new daily passenger service to Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

Jul 16, 2025

Etihad Airways has announced the launch of services to seven new destinations—Almaty, Baku, Bucharest, Medina, Tashkent, Tbilisi, and Yerevan—beginning in November 2025.

Jul 16, 2025

Airlines for America has emphasized the need for increased funding from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to hire more air traffic controllers, update infrastructure, and build on the One Big Beautiful Bill down payment.

Jul 16, 2025

Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) has announced a complete closure of Aviation Boulevard between Arbor Vitae Street and Century Boulevard from July 14 at 9 a.m. to July 21 at 6 a.m. Shuttle access to the LAX/Metro Transit Center will remain...

Jul 16, 2025

Avianca has announced the launch of a social media thread on X, inviting travelers to explore Dallas as a new destination.

Jul 16, 2025

Finnair announced that Palta and the Finnish Transport Workers’ Union (IAU) have reached a negotiation result, leading to the cancellation of all previously announced strikes and the resumption of normal flight operations.

Jul 16, 2025