Flight fleet for FIFOs
COBHAM Aviation Services (CAvS) has officially welcomed its first Q400 aircraft with the capability to transform Australia’s fly-in-fly-out (FIFO) market.
With jet-like speed, highly efficient fuel consumption and low carbon emissions, the 76-seat Q400 Q Series is the world’s most modern turboprop.
It will service Cobham’s current and future FIFO passenger operations to regional and remote locations.
This step-change, the key part of a fleet renewal program, will be further enhanced this month with the delivery of a second Q400 which will also be deployed to support customers in the resources sector.
Ryan Both, chief executive Officer of CAvS – Australia’s largest aviation group after Qantas and Virgin – said the new aircraft will be integral to operations as Cobham grows and broadens its flexible FIFO offer.
“The Q400 creates a strong platform for growth and greatly reduces complexity in our business. It enhances operational reliability, reduces maintenance time and carries a bright and fresh cabin with 2x2 seating,” Mr Both said.
The Q400 also burns significantly less fuel than other aircraft operating in the FIFO market.
More than 600 Q400s have already been sold worldwide.
“We expect the Q400 to advance Cobham’s position as a leader in the FIFO
market and enable us to provide existing and future FIFO customers with unique and reliable solutions better tailored to their needs,” Mr Both said.
“Cobham has a history of innovation in Australia, from our advanced electronic surveillance and search and rescue aircraft, to our work with General Atomics on autonomous aircraft operations, to being the first and only airline to operate high capacity jet FIFO flights to unpaved runways with the 146/RJ family.
“Cobham has now passed another milestone as the first and only operator of the Q400 to unpaved runways - another demonstration of Cobham’s market-leading innovation.”
The aircraft, based in Perth, currently services WA clients such as Alliance Minerals’ Bald Hill Mine in Kalgoorlie, Round Oak Minerals’ Jaguar Mine in Goldfields Esperance, Northern Star Resources’ Jundee Mine and the Independence Group (IGO)’s Nova Mine in the Fraser Ranges.
“Cobham customers invest significantly and often in new technology at their mine sites,” Mr Both said.
“It is fantastic that we can complement this investment with newer generation high-reliability aircraft for their operations.
“Less delays means more production, it’s that simple.”