QantasLink to Launch Q400 on Moranbah Services

QantasLink is to add a new $30 million next generation 74-seat Bombardier Q400 aircraft to its Moranbah schedule from late June 2011 following the completion of upgrading of the local airport.

As a result, the number of seats offered between Brisbane and Moranbah would increase from 1880 to 3044 per week. The number of flights operated on this important route will also increase from 20 to 24 return services per week.

"This major expansion of services linking Brisbane with one of Queensland's key mining centres is in direct response to increasing demand from the local coal and resources industries. We'll continue to grow capacity on this route as more projects come online," said QantasLink Executive Manager, Mr Narendra Kumar. "The arrival of our flagship Q400, with its jet-like speed, will mean flight times to and from the Isaac Shire will be reduced by up to 20%. Customers will also benefit from an enhanced flight experience, including a quieter and more spacious cabin and larger overhead storage bins."

QantasLink's improved Moranbah flights and schedule will see new flights on Tuesdays and Wednesdays with 15 of the weekly services operated by Q400 aircraft at peak times and the remainder serviced by the 50% Q300 aircraft.

QantasLink has invested more than $850 million in 28 new Q400 aircraft since 2006, with the current fleet of 22 to grow to 28 over the next 18 months. The airline's fleet also includes five Q200, 16 Q300 and 11 B717 aircraft, with a further two B717s recently announced.

QantasLink is overseeing the operation of the Qantas Group's recently purchased Western Australian resources charter airline Network Aviation. Its fleet of eight aircraft is set to grow further, with the addition of a further 10 Fokker F100s.

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