Qantas unveils good news for Western Australian flyers

Qantas has unveiled some good news for Western Australian travellers - including those in regional centres. 

The state is is to benefit from a multi-million dollar upgrade of QantasLink’s fleet, with the airline announcing upgrades to the onboard experience of its Airbus aircraft and confirming it has secured the initial three Embraer E190s to replace its Fokker 100 fleet.

These investments "will improve comfort and reliability for thousands of residents across regional WA, as well as workers in Western Australia’s critical resources industry", the airline said in a statement.

The airline will begin fitting its fleet of 28 Airbus A320 and A319 aircraft with onboard wifi so customers can keep connected and enjoy the latest hit movies and television shows on their own device via the Qantas Entertainment App.

The airline’s A320s will also be fitted with new seats equipped with USB A/C charging ports and portable device holders.

The first refurbished aircraft is expected to enter into service later this year, with the full cabin and wifi program set to be completed in early 2027.

The three mid-life Embraer E190 jets are expected to begin arriving by the end of the year, gradually replacing afleet of Fokker F100 aircraft.

In total, the airline will acquire up to 14 E190s. 

“This multi-million-dollar investment reinforces our long-term commitment to serving the critical resources sector in Western Australia and connecting regional communities across the state," says QantasLink CEO Mark Dal Pra.

 
“Not only will it significantly enhance the travel experience for our customers, it will also help us improve reliability and efficiency across our WA network.

“It also builds on Qantas’ commitment to developing Perth as its western hub, including recent investments in new training facilities, infrastructure upgrades at Perth Airport and the launch of domestic and international routes to destinations including Newcastle, Hobart, Johannesburg and Auckland.”

Rex innovation a challenge to airline big guns

Rex is getting serious about offering an option to Australia’s big three domestic airlines. 

In what is being promoted as an “Australian first”, Rex is to introduce real-time bidding for an upgrade to business class on its domestic jet services.

Passengers booked in the economy cabin will be invited to bid for an upgrade to business seven days before departure. 

Bidders will be able to adjust their bids whenever they are outbid, thereby giving themselves a real chance of success to secure an upgrade.

“All passengers love an upgrade: this new element of gamification in the bidding process will be a fun and economical way for our economy passengers to experience our amazing business class product and service,” said Michael Venus, Rex’s director of media.

The initiative is part of a series of passenger enhancements being rolled out ahead of the upcoming launch of the airline’s new loyalty program.

This will include the introduction of a neighbour-free seating product in the economy cabin across the airline’s domestic and regional networks, and new or expanded lounges in Adelaide, Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne.

As part of a special introductory offer to launch the Rex Bid Up programme, minimum bidding across the airline’s domestic network will start from as little as $10.

Rex is Australia’s largest independent regional and domestic airline operating a fleet of 61 Saab 340 and 7 Boeing 737-800NG aircraft to 58 destinations throughout all states in Australia.