RegionalLink Airlines unveils new look Embraer Brasilia

RegionalLink Airlines has unveiled its flagship Embraer Brasilia aircraft in the group's new blue and silver colour scheme, which will be seen progressively throughout Australia.

The 30-seat aircraft - one of six currently operated by the RegionalLink group - is also the first in the fleet to be equipped with a new interior, featuring a deep ochre seat fabric with a navy blue swirl, reflecting the earthy colours found throughout central and regional Australia.

The remaining Brasilia aircraft in the group will also be repainted and refurbished progressively as part of the upgrade programme.

RegionalLink is a national coalition of regional carriers which has formed Australia's first airline franchise. Founding members of the group are Darwin-based Airnorth, which flies to nine destinations in the Northern Territory and across North Western Australia (in addition to its international route to Dili, East Timor), and two South Australian carriers - Airlines of South Australia, which flies between Adelaide, Port Lincoln and Port Augusta, and Emu Airways, which commutes between Adelaide and the tourist haven of Kangaroo Island.

The Chief Executive of RegionalLink, Mr Ian Mitchell, said several other independently-owned regional airlines throughout Australia had commenced discussions with a view to joining the airline coalition this year. "Regional airlines in Australia are facing significant cost challenges, and our aim is to ensure sustainable service to as many regional markets as possible," he said.

The RegionalLink Embraer Brasilia aircraft fly from Darwin to Kununurra, Broome, Gove, Groote Eylandt and Dili - these services operated by Airnorth - and from Adelaide to Port Lincoln with Airlines of South Australia, and between Adelaide and Kangaroo Island in the service of Emu Airways.

The Brasilias are turboprop twin-engined aircraft and are fully pressurised and air conditioned. They have an auxillary power unit to maintain on-ground cabin cooling and heating with the main engines off. The Brasilias have a typical flying range of 750 kilometres, and a cruise speed of 500 kilometres per hour. They are equipped with a restroom and a galley, and are crewed by two pilots and one cabin attendant. The 1 x 2 seat layout also ensures that all passengers have a window or aisle seat.