QantasLink boosts capacity and flight frequencies

QantasLink is to operate 50 seater Dash 8 aircraft for the first time between Melbourne and Devonport, Melbourne and Burnie-Wynyard and Melbourne and Mildura from 23 August, replacing a number of the 36-seater aircraft currently servicing the routes.

Qantas Executive General Manager Regional Airlines, Narendra Kumar, said the introduction of the larger Dash 8 aircraft meant the Tasmanian and Victorian cities would receive a boost in seat capacity and service frequencies.

"QantasLink currently operates 42 services each week between Burnie-Wynyard and Melbourne. From 23 August, the airline will increase the number of services to 52 and the number of seats operated on the route from 1,512 to 2,068, representing a 36 per cent increase in capacity.

"The number of seats between Devonport and Melbourne and Mildura and Melbourne will also increase from 2,448 to 2,644 and 2,304 to 2,500 respectively with the use of the larger aircraft type during peak travel demand times," he said.

QantasLink has ordered 10 new Bombardier Dash 8 300 series aircraft since 2003 and to date has taken delivery of eight. 

"The Dash 8 is an integral part of the Qantas regional fleet, offering our customers improved reliability and comfort, including a quieter cabin, with an additional flight attendant on board the 50-seater aircraft enhancing the inflight service," he said.

The QantasLink fleet of 32 Dash-8 aircraft serves more than 35 destinations throughout New South Wales, the ACT, Queensland, Victoria and Tasmania.