14 more Qlink Q400's

[Southern handler]

14 more QLink Q400's.

All 300 & 400's to be phased. 78 seaters so at a guess coming from Flybe..

[Dick Smith]

What about the 200s and the Lord Howe service?

[Kiwiconehead]

What about the 200s and the Lord Howe service?

Qantas blurb says 19 300s and 200s to be retired, so that all of them - they kept the 200s for the Lord Howe services, so don't know how that is going to work?

They probably forgot they operate there.

https://www.qantasnewsroom.com.au/media-releases/qantas-group-invests-in-regional-turboprop-fleet/

[BuzzBox]

The QantasLink licence for the Lord Howe service expires on 29 March 2025. The NSW Government is looking for expressions of interest from operators interested in operating the route. If the -200s are going, perhaps some other operator will take over?

https://www.transport.nsw.gov.au/news-and-events/media-releases/expressions-of-interest-open-for-moree-and-lord-howe-island-air

[BuzzBox]

Or perhaps they’ll modify some of their Q400s with rockets like these:

https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/2000x1307/img_2357_6d8d4fb9a56fb893b1311926a8bad0217eacbcd1.jpeg

[unobtanium]

What about the 200s and the Lord Howe service?

wetleased king air's

[aussieflyboy]

What sort of Pilot Base closures or reduction in numbers in a base will result?

[Going Nowhere]

What sort of Pilot Base closures or reduction in numbers in a base will result?

None, of the 19 aircraft being retired, they’d be lucky to do 14 lines of flying between them.

MEL/MQL base to start changing back to the 400 from the end of the year.

ADL in 2025

[43Inches]

I doubt QLink has more than 70% of the pilots it needs, there won't be anyone sacked unless something else happens. Even if Rex collapses they will only get the 2 pilots left there. At least anyone on the 300 will get a pay rise to the 400.

[longlegs]

LHI looks like a Skytrans slam dunk to me. As no doubt the ACCC would know QF normally mandate their surplus fleet is sold off shore with a never to return clause so no pesky local upstart can ever stand on their toes. You never know ex QF CEO of Skytrans could have the right connections to challenge the norm and hold on to some of Toronto's finest VH registered birds. Wonder if QF will be as generous with the SYD slots. Guessing Transport for NSW may not realise the slots are QFs not theirs. And I quote "A slot is not route specific (excluding local rules), but it is equipment and time specific."

[Spudly]

I doubt QLink has more than 70% of the pilots it needs, there won't be anyone sacked unless something else happens. Even if Rex collapses they will only get the 2 pilots left there. At least anyone on the 300 will get a pay rise to the 400.

on this, does anyone know how QLK are going with applications vs. accepted (excluding the FTA cadets)?

[dijical]

Which ports are currently served with Q300 which will potentially be stranded if they don't justify Q400 and screening requirements?

[43Inches]

Which ports are currently served with Q300 which will potentially be stranded if they don't justify Q400 and screening requirements?

If it's a choice between losing the air service or putting up with lesser service then I'm sure councils will compromise on cost of security. As far as cost of operation the Q400 does not cost that much more to operate than the 300, especially now that the 300s are truly aging. Both have the same crew requirements, two pilots, two FAs, the Q400 probably even slightly less as the same flights can be done in less duty hours. We all know that single fleet types with one crew cohort will offer savings as well. More likely a drop in frequency to get higher loads per flight, but the end result will still be more seats available. It might be more a question of which ports can take the 400 vs the 300, weight wise. The bigger question is what happens when the 400s start to age beyond usefulness.

There's a worldwide issue with affordable new types for the smaller airlines, even in the mid size arena, the older used types are starting to get too old, and no new types offer reasonable replacements at a cost that's compatible with regional economics.

[MikeHatter732]

Security is no longer a requirement for the Q400. It's operating without security to numerous ports including Orange, Griffith and Moree already.

[Stationair8]

Lord Howe Island is not an easy operation to run, weather issues enroute, weather issues on the island, aircraft type, fuel on the island, crewing etc.

Interesting to see who the government award the routes to.

Eastern/QLink have always done a very good job over the last 34 years.
Last time I was on the island, they had to cancel several days of flight due to weather. People liked being stuck at Capella Lodge for several days, at the expense of the airline.

[Callsign Please]

As far as cost of operation the Q400 does not cost that much more to operate than the 300, especially now that the 300s are truly aging. Both have the same crew requirements, two pilots, two FAs, the Q400 probably even slightly less as the same flights can be done in less duty hours.

The one irritation for crewing and payroll will be the removal of single FA ops, on the 200 by design while the 300s have been running with 1:50 ratio available “as needed” for a few years now. Of course, that’s unless they can call in some favours with the regulator.

[43Inches]

The one irritation for crewing and payroll will be the removal of single FA ops, on the 200 by design while the 300s have been running with 1:50 ratio available “as needed” for a few years now. Of course, that’s unless they can call in some favours with the regulator.

How many times does the 300 operate with single FAs? I assume it's pretty rare as I haven't seen it yet unless it's an option only when absolutely necessary due to an illness at an outport etc... I know a 300 was stuck in Mildura a year or so back because one FA could not operate of the two so it wasn't an option then.

[Callsign Please]

How many times does the 300 operate with single FAs?

Comes and goes in waves, like any crewing numbers issue. The intent like you say is last resort, and really glad to hear it wasn’t leaned on in your case.
I’ve heard stories that on typical 400 routes (and when they left the Melb network) it was avoided to match onboard service levels.

[Hoosten]

Fleet announcement:

They're buying the 400's to tide them over for another 10 years until they can buy electric aircraft :rolleyes: where do qantas get these CEO clowns?

[unobtanium]

these clown's will be long gone by that time, look whats happening now the qantas fleet is a basket case and those who made million dollar decisions are long gone.

[Lapon]

How many times does the 300 operate with single FAs? I assume it's pretty rare as I haven't seen it yet unless it's an option only when absolutely necessary due to an illness at an outport etc... I know a 300 was stuck in Mildura a year or so back because one FA could not operate of the two so it wasn't an option then.

Qlink seriously run the 300s with 2 CC?

I thought the norm (EASA, FAA and even CASA P121) was 1:50. NZlink only ever had 1 cc on thier -300s too.

I assume of course the Qlink 300s are 50 seaters.

[On eyre]

Qlink seriously run the 300s with 2 CC?

I thought the norm (EASA, FAA and even CASA P121) was 1:50. NZlink only ever had 1 cc on thier -300s too.

I assume of course the Qlink 300s are 50 seaters.

In South Australia 50 pax seats and 2CC. Only once in the last five years have I encountered single CC.

[AmarokGTI]

https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/2000x1099/screenshot_2024_04_27_at_20_10_33_126b60eb7f6af91f8010dcf6bf 692e25099a9c03.png

didnt work but was trying to reply to the previous comment about security needs

[MickG0105]

https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/2000x1099/screenshot_2024_04_27_at_20_10_33_126b60eb7f6af91f8010dcf6bf 692e25099a9c03.png
...
What is the source of that table please? Last time I went through security at SYD T2 a month or so back, it was walk-through metal detectors, not full body scanning.

[AmarokGTI]

What is the source of that table please? Last time I went through security at SYD T2 a month or so back, it was walk-through metal detectors, not full body scanning.

Unsure. It was sent to me. I shall not say who from incase they weren't meant to send it!

[MickG0105]

Unsure. It was sent to me. I shall not say who from incase they weren't meant to send it!
No problemo, I'm guessing that, much like many aspects of Australian aviation services and infrastructure, it's "aspirational".

[Stationair8]

Remember the good old days, when Qantas always bought new aeroplanes.

[BuzzBox]

What is the source of that table please? Last time I went through security at SYD T2 a month or so back, it was walk-through metal detectors, not full body scanning.

In 2017 there was a review of security at Australian security regulated airports, following a disrupted terrorist plot at Sydney Airport (Sydney terror plotters 'tried to blow up Etihad plane... (https://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-08-04/sydney-terror-raids-police-say-plane-bomb-plot-disrupted/8773752)). Two of the things that came out of that review were requirements for all eligible travellers to be screened by body scanner at designated airports, and for all cabin and checked baggage to be screened by CT X-ray. The implementation date was 31 Dec 2020 unless the airport had an extension approved by the Dept of Home Affairs.

Three-and-a-half years later and some designated airports meet the new requirements, some don't. As you said, it's "aspirational"...

[Storman65]

Does anyone have good info as to where the 14 aircraft are coming from ? I know Flybe has been mentioned, but is that just a guess ??

[Lead Balloon]

There was a NOTAM declaring TUBA: Temporarily Unavailable Bodyscanner Apparatus.

[Chronic Snoozer]

It’s fine to walk through an unserviceable body scanner anyway, as long as you announce to everyone that you’re doing it.

[markis10]

Does anyone have good info as to where the 14 aircraft are coming from ? I know Flybe has been mentioned, but is that just a guess ??

Almost all of the Flybe aircraft are spoken for, mostly being parted out. The aircraft are currently being serviced which leads me to think they are some of the ex Alaskan/Horizon fleet, some of which left VCV last month for Portland.

[MikeHatter732]

Almost all of the Flybe aircraft are spoken for, mostly being parted out. The aircraft are currently being serviced which leads me to think they are some of the ex Alaskan/Horizon fleet, some of which left VCV last month for Portland.
Are the Horizon air ones 78 seaters?

[ebt]

I'm hearing WestJet, but neither them nor Qantas are confirming that. WestJet has been trying to shift 17 from their Encore fleet for over a year.

Cirium fleets database shows that DHC themselves also have 14 78-seaters, but they all seem to be around 16 years and older. From memory they are ex-Flybe operated and went through a couple of hands before DHC bought them.

Horizon's Q400s are all 76-seaters.

[Going Nowhere]

https://www.planespotters.net/airline/WestJet-Encore

Have heard either ex Air Canada or Westjet.

both have 78 seat versions that are being withdrawn and are late model.

[Southern handler]

Maybe Spicejet

[lc_461]

Qantas blurb says 19 300s and 200s to be retired, so that all of them - they kept the 200s for the Lord Howe services, so don't know how that is going to work?

They probably forgot they operate there.

https://www.qantasnewsroom.com.au/media-releases/qantas-group-invests-in-regional-turboprop-fleet/

Merimbula also - I don't think the runway is long enough for the -400. Decent loads and Rex tickets can easily get up to $650 one way back to Sydney..

[MikeHatter732]

Merimbula also - I don't think the runway is long enough for the -400. Decent loads and Rex tickets can easily get up to $650 one way back to Sydney..
Merimbula can handle a 400, they did some upgrades a couple of years ago for it

[rigpiggy]

Lots being made into firebombers, at least 4/yr for foreseeable future

[Southern handler]

Have heard Spicejet