QFLink upsizes to A320s

TWO Jetstar Airbus A320s will join the QantasLink fleet from Apr, operating on key routes within Western Australia, Travel Daily can reveal.

The upgauge to larger aircraft for QF’s regional arm was first flagged by the Qantas Grp in Nov.

At the time, the company said it was looking at opportunities with its low-cost subsidiary to transition a pair of its A320 aircraft within the Jetstar Group to operate flights within the WA resources market, currently serviced by Qantas Domestic 737s.

It’s understood the A320s will initially be coming from Jetstar Australia and then backfilled by aircraft from within Jetstar Asia and the broader Jetstar Group.

A Qantas spokesperson today told TD that operationally, the A320 had a superior take-off performance in extremely hot conditions, and was configured with an all-Economy class cabin.

“These two factors mean they can carry up to 30 additional passengers, making them a very attractive option for some of our resources customers,” QF said.

The two A320s will be operated by Network Aviation (branded as QantasLink) and will transition from Jetstar in Mar, entering service the next month.

“This change will free up two 737s that are in high demand elsewhere, including Perth- Singapore,” Qantas added.

QantasLink’s current aircraft fleet consists of Boeing 717-200s and a mix of Bombardier Dash 8s.