Any Truth to the Rumour (A320's for QF/Network)

[Greg Hyde]

Is there any truth to the rumour that there will be several A320's in Qantaslink livery in the near future.

Are they being transferred from JQ ?

[Adam W]

I do know that there are plans to use Jetstar A320's on some mining charter flights in Western Australia but have not heard anything official regarding the livery of those aircraft.

[Dave Dale]

Only yesterday I heard this same rumour from a QF flight attendant in Brisbane. Apparently the intention is to turn Network Aviation with A320s into something akin to Cobham with their 717s. Meaning less 737s and more A320s under different employment arrangements.

[Max C]

2 x Ex JQ A320’s for Network for an exisiting charter client ex PER.

Aircraft will be in QantasLink colours.

That will free up B737’s for other work ex PER and on the East Coast.

[Rob Fluke]

From what I'm aware VQS and VQU will be the two A320 to be sent over to QantasLink in March.

[Greg Hyde]

VH-FNP is operating in WA for VAR.

Is this a new contract or taking over from FNP

[Zac M]

I don’t understand your questing Greg...these will be on the Qlink network and have no relevance to VARA and FNP


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Greg Hyde]

Qantas to transfer two Jetstar A320s to WA-based Network Aviation unit for charter flights

Qantas’s Network Aviation subsidiary will operate Airbus A320 narrowbodies on intra-Western Australia charter services, taking over some flying currently operated by Boeing 737-800s.

The two A320s are being sourced from the Jetstar fleet and are expected to start flying with Network Aviation from April, Qantas said in a statement to Australian Aviation.

Jetstar’s A320s are configured with 180 seats in an all-economy layout versus the 174 seats (12 business, 162 economy) of Qantas’s 737-800s.

Further, the A320s offers superior takeoff performance in the hot weather conditions often experienced on fly-in/fly-out (FIFO) services to WA’s remote mining destinations compared with the 737-800.

As a result, it is estimated the A320s can carry up to 30 additional passengers on FIFO flights.

The two 737-800s released from charter-related flying will be used elsewhere on the Qantas network, including extra nonstop flights between Perth and Singapore.

Qantas resumed Perth-Singapore flights in June 2015, following a one-year absence on the route, with five flights a week using 737-800s. The route was lifted to daily a few months later and currently operates 11 times a week.

However, Qantas said in November 2017 it would offer double-daily flights between Perth and Singapore from April 8 2018, while its Singapore-based low-cost carrier (LCC) unit Jetstar Asia would withdraw from the route from March 25 2018.

Qantas acquired Network Aviation, which at the time was a charter and FIFO operator, in February 2011.

Since then Perth-based subsidiary has expanded its role within the Qantas Group to also fly some regular public transport (RPT) services in WA with its fleet of Fokker 100 aircraft.

Meanwhile, Virgin Australia Regional Airlines also operates two Airbus A320s on FIFO services in WA.

http://australianaviation.com.au/2018/01/qantas-to-transfer-two-jetstar-a320s-to-wa-based-network-aviation-unit-for-charter-flights/

[Brenden S]

A 3rd A320 will be joining VARA this year too.

[Greg Hyde]

VQS is currently in XSP for maintenance.

Will it get a repaint into Qlink livery while its there ?

[Brenden S]

I read somewhere on the interweb the other day that the A320 is being painted now.

[Max C]

Crew are also in CGK doing training.

[Chris Z]

Yes VQS getting painted. VQU next at this stage.

[Greg Hyde]

QFLink first A320

https://www.jetphotos.com/photo/8866125#modal-large-photo

Named: Kangaroo Paw (tbc)

[Greg Hyde]

First Qantas-painted Airbus A320 lands in Perth

The first Airbus A320 to be painted in Qantas colours has broken cover after arriving in Perth on Saturday.

The former Jetstar-operated A320, VH-VQS, operating under the Jetstar flight number JQ8996, arrived in Perth from Seletar, Singapore on its delivery to Qantas subsidiary Network Aviation shortly before midday. The aircraft is the first of two A320s Network will operate under the QantasLink brand on resource industry fly-in/fly-out charter services in Western Australia.

The introduction into the Network fleet of the 180-seat all-economy class configured Airbuses will in turn allow Qantas to redeploy two Boeing 737-800s elsewhere in its network.

http://australianaviation.com.au/2018/02/first-qantas-airbus-a320-lands-in-perth/

[Robert.M]

Just looks wrong to have QantasLink on a A320. Just my opinion.

[Greg Hyde]

Is VQU in Singapore getting a repaint ?

Also any news when they will commence working ?

[Greg Hyde]

VQU returned to Perth yesterday.

I expect in a new livery

https://flightaware.com/live/flight/VHVQU

[Zac M]

Both VQS and VQU are parked next to each other presently in Perth, so yes, VQU is Qlink colours

[Greg Hyde]

thks for the confirmation, Zac.

Did anyone know what VQU was named ?

[Chris Z]

Got hundreds of hours in VQS/U as a skipper and are great planes. They look superb in their new colours and will no doubt provide awesome service in their new roles.

[Greg Hyde]

VQS did a different pattern yesterday.

Rather than North - South - from Perth it flew East to Melbourne.

Football charter maybe ?

Due to return later this arvo

[Rowan McKeever]

VQU is apparently ‘River Red Gum’.

[Greg Hyde]

thks, Rowan

Looks like VQU entered service on 26/4

[Max C]

VQS went to MEL for a check.