QantasLink Welcomes First Embraer E190 in Perth as Western Australia Fleet Upgrade Begins

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Binoy Mehera

A curious mind driven by a passion for storytelling, I find inspiration in uncovering hidden perspectives, exploring diverse experiences, and shaping ideas into narratives that leave an impact. With three years of experience in journalism and content creation, I have developed a strong instinct for identifying meaningful stories, blending research with creativity, and presenting information in a way that connects with readers. My storytelling journey is guided by a fascination for culture, travel, lifestyle, and the human experiences that define our world. I aim to create narratives that not only inform but also spark curiosity, evoke emotions, and offer audiences a deeper understanding of every story.

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September 8, 2026 12:44 GMT+5:30

QantasLink has hit a major milestone in its fleet renewal program for Western Australia with the arrival of its first Embraer E190 in Perth today. The aircraft arrival will enhance regional connections and initiate a major fleet renewal that is expected to increase reliability and efficiency and increase passenger comfort across Western Australia.

The aircraft completed a journey of about 20 hours from Norwich in the United Kingdom before reaching Western Australia. Its delivery flight included stops in Bulgaria, Tajikistan, India, Malaysia and Broome before the aircraft landed in Perth this morning.

Configured with 100 seats, the aircraft is the first of up to 14 mid-life Embraer E190s planned to progressively replace QantasLink’s existing Fokker F100 fleet. The transition is expected to deliver stronger operational reliability, improved fuel efficiency and a more comfortable onboard experience for passengers. The first E190 is scheduled to begin commercial operations from January 2027.

QantasLink has also confirmed that every E190 will receive a cabin refurbishment before entering passenger service.

The upgraded aircraft will be equipped with Wi-Fi, allowing travellers to stream entertainment directly to their personal devices through the enhanced Qantas Entertainment App. Passengers will also benefit from newer and more spacious seating fitted with adjustable headrests, USB-A and USB-C charging ports, and holders for personal electronic devices.

The E190 fleet will additionally offer Qantas Economy Plus. The product will provide selected passengers with additional legroom, priority boarding and priority access to overhead baggage storage.

The introduction of the new aircraft type will also create significant training and development opportunities for QantasLink employees in Western Australia.

Around 70 pilots, cabin crew and engineers are expected to complete a combined 18,000 hours of training by the end of the year as the airline prepares to operate and maintain its initial E190 fleet. Once the aircraft type is fully established across the operation, more than 600 pilots, crew members and engineers could eventually receive E190-related training.

The E190 programme forms part of a wider investment by QantasLink in its Western Australian aircraft fleet.

The airline is also upgrading 19 Airbus A320 aircraft based in Perth. These aircraft are being fitted with Wi-Fi while receiving new seats and broader cabin improvements. The first upgraded A320 is expected to be completed by the end of October.

The fleet changes represent another major step in the evolution of QantasLink’s regional and resources operations in Western Australia.

The first Fokker F100 joined the Network Aviation fleet in 2008. Network Aviation subsequently became part of the QantasLink operation in 2011.

Today, the F100 fleet operates approximately 120 charter and scheduled passenger services every week, connecting more than 25 destinations across regional Western Australia.

For almost two decades, the F100 aircraft have played a central role in supporting the network, particularly routes serving regional communities and Western Australia’s resources sector.

Each F100 has been named after a Western Australian destination, creating a strong connection between the fleet and the communities it serves.

QantasLink plans to continue that naming tradition with its new Embraer E190 fleet. The first aircraft, VH-E9A, will carry the name Exmouth, maintaining the airline’s long-established link with destinations across Western Australia.

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.”