QantasLink’s first Embraer E190, VH-E9A, touched down in Perth today, marking a major milestone in the airline’s fleet renewal program for its Western Australian resources charter operations.
The aircraft started its 20-hour journey in Norwich, United Kingdom, making stops in Bulgaria, Tajikistan, India, Malaysia and Broome in Western Australia before touching down in Perth this morning.
The 100-seat jet aircraft is the first of up to 14 mid-life E190s which will progressively replace QantasLink’s F100 fleet, offering improved reliability, fuel efficiency and customer comfort. The first E190 will enter commercial service from January 2027*.
The airline also announced today that each E190 aircraft will undergo a cabin refresh prior to entering service. Wi-Fi will be installed on each aircraft so customers can stream content on their own device from the improved Qantas Entertainment App, and receive new, more spacious seats that feature adjustable headrests, USB-A/C charging and personal device holders. The aircraft will also feature Qantas Economy Plus, giving customers more legroom, priority boarding, and priority access to overhead baggage space.
The introduction of E190 aircraft will also unlock development opportunities for employees, with approximately 70 pilots, crew and engineers to receive a combined 18,000 hours of training by the end of the year to operate and maintain the initial E190 fleet. More than 600 pilots, crew, and engineers could be trained to operate the E190 fleet once it reaches scale.
The investment in the E190s is part of QantasLink’s broader investment in its Western Australia fleet. Nineteen Perth-based A320s are being fitted with Wi-Fi and undergoing seat and cabin upgrades, with the first to be completed by the end of October.
The first F100 entered Network Aviation’s fleet in 2008, before the airline joined the QantasLink operation in 2011. Today, they operate around 120 charter and passenger services per week to more than 25 destinations across regional Western Australia.
The F100 aircraft, each named after Western Australian destinations, have been the backbone of the network for two decades. The E190 fleet will continue with that legacy, with the first aircraft, VH-E9A to be named Exmouth.
Comments from Chief Operating Officer and Regional General Manager Network Aviation Australia Trevor Worgan:
“The arrival of our first E190 marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter. For almost 20 years, the F100 has played a vital role connecting regional Western Australia and supporting the resources sector, and now we’re investing in the next generation of aircraft to serve our customers and communities for decades to come.
“These aircraft represent a step change in the customer experience for the more than three million journeys expected to benefit each year, with more comfortable seating, onboard Wi-Fi, USB charging and the introduction of Qantas Economy Plus.
“They’re also quieter, more fuel efficient and can fly further than the F100, opening up new opportunities for our customers.
“The introduction of the E190 is also an investment in local skills, with our pilots, cabin crew and engineers undertaking specialist training to support the fleet here in Western Australia.”
*Subject to regulatory approval.
Factsheet and images available here
