Flying around regional Australia will feel a whole lot ‘fresher’ for travellers boarding QantasLink’s first upgraded turboprop aircraft, which took to the skies this morning.
QantasLink unveiled the first of 45 aircraft to undergo the ‘greater inflight comfort’ 10-day upgrade at Tamworth Airport.
Inside the enhanced Q300 turboprop, Qantas’ regional offshoot has added new ergonomic seat cushioning, leather upholstery, tablet device holders, a refreshed colour palette of greys and charcoals and new floor coverings.
The aircraft was also repainted with an updated Kangaroo logo and received a new name – Birdsville – as part of an initiative to promote destinations around regional Australia.
QantasLink’s Chief Executive, John Gissing, said he looks forward to welcoming regional travellers onboard the upgraded plane and offer them a “better inflight experience”.
“Our turboprop aircraft are a significant part of our network and we’re committed to investing in product and service for regional Australia.”
John Gissing, QantasLink Chief Executive
QantasLink’s multi-million dollar program will conclude in 2019 when 45 Bombardier Q200, Q300 and Q400 aircraft have undergone upgrades.
Each turboprop aircraft takes around 10 days to upgrade, with up to 13 engineers and project support staff working on each aircraft. The work is timed to coincide with scheduled maintenance and closely aligns the turboprop interiors with those in the airline’s jet fleet.
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