QantasLink’s first Embraer E190, VH-E9A, has arrived in Perth, marking a key step in the airline’s fleet renewal programme for its Western Australian resources charter operations.
The aircraft began its 20-hour journey in Norwich, UK, making stops in Bulgaria, Tajikistan, India, Malaysia and Broome in Western Australia before touching down in Perth on September 7.
The 100-seat jet is the first of up to 14 mid-life E190s that will progressively replace QantasLink’s F100 fleet, offering improved reliability, fuel efficiency and customer comfort. The first E190 is scheduled to enter commercial service from January 2027.
QantasLink also announced that each E190 will undergo a cabin refresh before entering service. Wi-Fi will be installed on every aircraft, allowing customers to stream content on their own devices through the improved Qantas Entertainment App. The aircraft will also feature new, more spacious seats with adjustable headrests, USB-A and USB-C charging and personal device holders.
The E190s will also offer Qantas Economy Plus, giving customers more legroom, priority boarding and priority access to overhead baggage space.
The introduction of the E190s will create development opportunities for employees, with around 70 pilots, crew and engineers set 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 forms part of QantasLink’s broader investment in its Western Australian fleet. Nineteen Perth-based A320s are being fitted with Wi-Fi and undergoing seat and cabin upgrades, with the first aircraft due to be completed by the end of October.
