QantasLink announces Classic Dash-8 retirement, additional Dash-8-400 orders

[Lauren J]

Qantas Group has announced today that the Classic Dash-8 aircraft (-200/-300) will be gradually phased out, being replaced by 14 mid-life Dash-8-400s.

https://www.qantasnewsroom.com.au/media-releases/qantas-group-invests-in-regional-turboprop-fleet/#:~:text=The%20national%20carrier%20will%20acquire ,end%20of%20calendar%20year%202024.

Any additional information or thoughts welcome.

[Brenden S]

Big question is Lord Howe Island is serviced by Qlink until 2025, so what is going to do that service?

[Lauren J]

Big question is Lord Howe Island is serviced by Qlink until 2025, so what is going to do that service?

Have QF announced that they’re exiting that market? Would be a shame if so; the only competitor is Eastern Air Services using a KingAir.

[Brenden S]

No mention yet. At the end of the day the runway needs to be extended.

[Zac M]

Lord Howe Island is a service operated under contract to the NSW Government I believe, if QantasLink were to exit the market at the end of the current contract then someone else will operate it.

[Brenden S]

https://www.transport.nsw.gov.au/news-and-events/media-releases/expressions-of-interest-open-for-moree-and-lord-howe-island-air

UP for tender now. At a guess QF is not going to tender for it since the Q400 can't make it in there.

[Greg Hyde]

Current license expires 29 March 2025

[MarkR]

Skytrans to Lord Howe ?

[Lauren J]

I think it would be nice if QF bought a handful of Pilatus PC-12s, Tecnam P2012s, Cessna SkyCouriers, De Havilland DHC-6-400s, or another next-gen light commuter to replace the Dash-8-200.

Qantas has historically operated smaller types (Cessna 404, DHC-6, JS-31, etc.) and it would be a great way for the airline to funnel new cadet pilots into the group without placing them on 25 tonne airliners (eg. DH8D) straight away.

They could initially be used for the obvious LDH and MRZ flights, but also as a short-haul connector between existing QF ports (SYD-NTL, BNE-OOL, LST-HBA, etc.). A great way to allow higher pax loyalty and market capture throughout their network. There are five Qantas ports within a 70nm radius of Brisbane alone (MCY, WTB, BNE, OOL, BNK). Same with SYD, NTL, WOL, and WSI. These airports will benefit from connectivity and a 10-20 seater is the perfect aircraft size to do it. There are dozens of smaller cities that would benefit from a Qantas commuter aircraft.

Just a thought.

[MarkR]

The mid life aircraft are expected to be mostly ex Flybe

[Kent Broadhead]

No mention yet. At the end of the day the runway needs to be extended.

The 2018 LHIB analysis showed the runway extension proposal was not economically viable, with RPT using newer aircraft (ATR42S specifically mentioned) noted as the best option economically.

It will be interesting to see what comes of the current RFT. Sort of sad to see the -200 go, but that's life.

[Greg Hyde]

Midlife seems to be the new spin on used or previously owned.

I can see all these "Used Car" lots changing their name to "Midlife Cars"

[Kent Broadhead]

Midlife seems to be the new spin on used or previously owned.

I can see all these "Used Car" lots changing their name to "Midlife Cars"

There are 8 ex FlyBE parked that are less that 10 years old. You'd expect they'll grab these plus a couple of others

[Greg Hyde]

The LHI Runway Extension Report was completed in Dec 2018.

The link below is the document:

https://www.lhib.nsw.gov.au/sites/default/files/2023-09/ED21%2520156%2520-%2520Runway%2520Extension%2520Feasibility%2520Stud y%2520-%2520Detailed%2520Assessment%2520-%2520Part%25202%2520B.pdf&ved=2ahUKEwiKl5-qnviGAxV2qlYBHfv9BM0QFnoECDoQAQ&usg=AOvVaw0MLoXhUb4ZyRbazw4-FltU

In the report Qlink stated "Operations of the DHC-8-200 aircraft are expected to stop
shortly after 2022".

With COVID, that wasn't a bad estimate in 2018.

[Lauren J]

There are 8 ex FlyBE parked that are less that 10 years old. You'd expect they'll grab these plus a couple of others

Croatia Airlines will very shortly be retiring 6 DH8Ds which were build in 2010ish as well.

[Zac M]

There is a number of Spicejet frames built after 2012 in storage…some have 78 seats, some are the high capacity configs with 90

[Robert.M]

Hate to think what the leg room is like on the 90 seat config! :eek:

What will be interesting to see is what routes that are serviced by the 200/300 will stick around and how many will cease due to not being economical to have the 400 service the route.

Skytrans to Lord Howe ?

Or will we see Link Airways or Rex? Will be interesting once the tender process has been completed.

[MarkR]

There is a number of Spicejet frames built after 2012 in storage…some have 78 seats, some are the high capacity configs with 90

Also a heap of ex Alaskan/Horizon birds, having a look at the Flybe birds some have been sold for parts. Quite a few of the Alaskan birds were removed from VCV storage and sent to Portland last month.

https://www.airhistory.net/photo/688798/N453QX

[Brenden S]

All 14 frames are in maintenance at the moment, so most likely the ex Alaskan aircraft.
I can confirm from a contact that they are not ex Flybe.

[Lauren J]

will we see Link Airways or Rex?

To my knowledge, the Saab 340 cannot operate to LDH due to the runway distance required for takeoff. I think a Metroliner might be able to squeeze in with a reduced payload, but I don't know if it'll be economical to operate a load-restricted 19-seat aircraft on such a long and thin route.

[Robert.M]

Rex do have some King Airs they could use (though under Pel-Air) soon to be retired from aeromedical (ex Air Ambulance).

[Greg Hyde]

The link I posted previously doesn't work so:

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&opi=89978449&url=https://www.lhib.nsw.gov.au/sites/default/files/2023-09/ED21%2520156%2520-%2520Runway%2520Extension%2520Feasibility%2520Stud y%2520-%2520Preliminary%2520Business%2520Case%2520-%2520Part%25206.pdf

Page 15, shows the what the potential operators had to say, most of which hasn't changed since the report was published.

If nobody wants to take it up then government maybe forced to lease a couple of ATR's get someone to operate them. (Heavylift may be an option)

[Bob C]

My sister in law flew by Sandringham flying boat from Rose Bay to Lord Howe Island in 1972, several years before the runway was built.

There are still Albatross and Mallard flying boats operating around the world and Paspaley flies Mallards out of Darwin to various Pearl farms so if all else fails - ha ha !!!!!!!

[Greg Hyde]

My sister in law flew by Sandringham flying boat from Rose Bay to Lord Howe Island in 1972, several years before the runway was built.

There are still Albatross and Mallard flying boats operating around the world and Paspaley flies Mallards out of Darwin to various Pearl farms so if all else fails - ha ha !!!!!!!

I know where those "boats" are we need them again.

Also, "The Ships that Flew" is a great doco on Flying Boat ops

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BQYGqt3x9s8

[Kent Broadhead]

T
Page 15, shows the what the potential operators had to say, most of which hasn't changed since the report was published.

Mind you, REX had entered into an agreement with ATR in 2020 as the world went crazy. I wonder what their turboprop fleet plans are now and, if ATR is still in the mix, they may operate 42s or 42S?

[MarkR]

If nobody wants to take it up then government maybe forced to lease a couple of ATR's get someone to operate them. (Heavylift may be an option)

Given the uncertified stol version has a 200nm range off a 800m runway we won’t be seeing any ATRs at Lord Howe in its present state.

[Lauren J]

I see WestJet have parked quite a lot of Dash-8-400s for over a year now. Could these be the future QantasLink frames?

[Ayden H]

Possibly, although Encore hasn't announced any plans to retire the aircraft.

[MarkR]

Possibly, although Encore hasn't announced any plans to retire the aircraft.

They are getting westjet aircraft that are surplus to requirements when Westjet shut down eastern Canada operations

[Ayden H]

Remember when Alex Praglowski flew across Canada on just Dashies (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BUSzqFdbdsc)? Guess that might no longer be possible given that the only Dash service between Eastern and Western Canada was flown by Encore.

[Brenden S]

Westjet Dash8's are the ones going to Qlink.

[Tony JC]

First one to be delivered from Oct to BNE under their Canadian registration before being registered in the VH-8D* block.

Most, if not all will be newer than the youngest current Q400 in the fleet, VH-LQQ.

[Ayden H]

According to planespotters.net, the first two ex WR Q400s will be MSNs 4447 and 4456, both 2013 builds. Ex C-FENY and C-GENM respectively. Current reserved regos in the 8D block are 8DG, 8DJ, 8DN, 8DO, 8DR, 8DT, 8DV and 8DW, the rest being assigned or available.

[Greg Hyde]

First one to be delivered from Oct to BNE under their Canadian registration before being registered in the VH-8D* block.

Most, if not all will be newer than the youngest current Q400 in the fleet, VH-LQQ.

C-FENY (if correct) was deleted from the C-Reg on 27/09/2024 (L).

[Zac M]

It looks like the retirement of the Dash 8-300s is going to be quite fast, looking at the schedules I can’t find a lot of 300 flying after mid February…I only checked a small handful of routes but looks to be quite fast

[MarkR]

Out with the old and in with the not so old. The recent trend to go for “mid-life” replacements across the country may not be a bad thing given the supply chain issues with new aircraft.

[Zac M]

In reality the Q400s are probably still the best alternative to the older series Dash 8s

[Ayden H]

Out with the old and in with the not so old. The recent trend to go for “mid-life” replacements across the country may not be a bad thing given the supply chain issues with new aircraft.

I've heard Longview wants to restart Q400 production out of YYC since YZD closed in 2022.

[Tom PER]

Out with the old and in with the not so old. The recent trend to go for “mid-life” replacements across the country may not be a bad thing given the supply chain issues with new aircraft.

As long as they truly are ‘mid life’ and not ‘end of life’, like the A319’s currently heading to NWK, look at what happened to all other ex Spirit frames either side of the ones being added to the VH register.

Depending on who you talk to (basically anyone who’s not a QF fanboi), the ‘supply chain issue’ chestnut is an attempted justification for poor fleet planning, losing highly qualified and sort after LAME’s and out sourcing maintenance, in their typical Marketing PR spin…let’s try to deflect the blame elsewhere and use things Project Sunrise to try score some positive publicity.

[Robert.M]

As long as they truly are ‘mid life’ and not ‘end of life’, like the A319’s currently heading to NWK, look at what happened to all other ex Spirit frames either side of the ones being added to the VH register. publicity.
Just because they were scrapped doesn’t mean end of life, a lot of perfectly good aircraft have been scrapped for useable parts (engines being the main reason).

Depending on who you talk to (basically anyone who’s not a QF fanboi), the ‘supply chain issue’ chestnut is an attempted justification for poor fleet planning, losing highly qualified and sort after LAME’s and out sourcing maintenance, in their typical Marketing PR spin…let’s try to deflect the blame elsewhere and use things Project Sunrise to try score some positive publicity.
There are supply chain issues when it comes to engines. But yes lack of planning at Q/QLINK/QJE and NWK is now coming to cause them pain.

[Lauren J]

Depending on who you talk to (basically anyone who’s not a QF fanboi), the ‘supply chain issue’ chestnut is an attempted justification for poor fleet planning

Air New Zealand is currently taking delivery of brand new NEOs, taking their engines off, and sending them straight into deep storage. The supply chain issues are certainly real and choosing to buy proven, reliable airframes instead of unreliable new ones is a perfectly acceptable solution. Just look how many QF A220 flights have been cancelled due to unscheduled mx; these newer aircraft have severe teething issues that the A319/A320 Classic simply does not have.

[MarkR]

Just look how many QF A220 flights have been cancelled due to unscheduled mx; these newer aircraft have severe teething issues that the A319/A320 Classic simply does not have.

Worth noting many of the recent A220 cancellations are due to a lack of captains available, including two CBR-MEL trips last Thursday, things are not good on the HR front in the plane as well as in the hanger.

[Brenden S]

You need to look further into the V2500 vs PW NEO engines and reliability etc. The V2500 was terrible back when it first came out. The biggest thing now days is the internet and how quick information gets out there compared to 40 years ago.

[Greg Hyde]

Lord Howe Air Service tender closed 29/09/2024

[Greg Hyde]

VH-TQL/TQY have ferried to the country retirement town of Tamworth before their eventual demise.

Zac, are these two finished ?

[Zac M]

Sadly I’m only in the know with the B717s cause they all come to CBR, but TQY would make sense to go, TQL went up when TQM came out of maintenance, so that’s possibly for maintenance but it wouldn’t make a lot of sense to be doing maintenance at this stage when they’re all getting retired in the very near future

[Tony JC]

TQH heading to TMW as well today.

[Brenden S]

Probably having the tail painted and the Qantas titles removed.

[Tony JC]

Rego’s for the incoming Q400’s are;

84A
84B
84E
84F
84G
84H
84I
84J
84L
84N
84O
84P
84Q
84R

[Lauren J]

Thanks Tony, any confirmed MSNs yet?

[Ayden H]

84A is 4447, 84B is 4456. The rest are TBA.

[Tony JC]

Q300 SBB is now in TMW as well.

[Lauren J]

Eastern fleet:

DHC-8-200:
TQG in service
TQS in service
TQX in service

DHC-8-300:
SBB stored TMW 22/10/24
SBG in service
SBI in service
SBJ in service
SBT in service
SBV in service
SBW in service
SCE in service
TQD in service
TQE in service
TQH stored TMW 15/10/24
TQK in service
TQL stored TMW 03/10/24
TQM in service
TQY stored TMW 08/10/24
TQZ in service

Sunstate fleet:

DHC-8-400:
LQB in service
LQD in service
LQF in service
LQG in service
LQH in service
LQJ in service
LQK in service
LQL in service
LQM in service
LQQ in service
QOA in service
QOB in service
QOC in service
QOD in service
QOE in service
QOF in service
QOH in service
QOI in service
QOJ in service
QOK in service
QOM in service
QON in service
QOP in service
QOR in service
QOS in service
QOT in service
QOU in service
QOV in service
QOW in service
QOX in service
QOY in service
84A due
84B due
84E due
84F due
84G due
84H due
84I due
84J due
84L due
84N due
84O due
84P due
84Q due
84R due

[Greg Hyde]

Thanks, Lauren

[Ayden H]

Eastern fleet:

DHC-8-200:
TQG in service
TQS in service
TQX in service

DHC-8-300:
SBB stored TMW 22/10/24
SBG in service
SBI in service
SBJ in service
SBT in service
SBV in service
SBW in service
SCE in service
TQD in service
TQE in service
TQH stored TMW 15/10/24
TQK in service
TQL stored TMW 03/10/24
TQM in service
TQY stored TMW 08/10/24
TQZ in service

Sunstate fleet:

DHC-8-400:
LQB in service
LQD in service
LQF in service
LQG in service
LQG in service
LQH in service
LQJ in service
LQK in service
LQL in service
LQM in service
LQQ in service
QOA in service
QOB in service
QOC in service
QOD in service
QOE in service
QOF in service
QOH in service
QOI in service
QOJ in service
QOK in service
QOM in service
QON in service
QOR in service
QOS in service
QOT in service
QOU in service
QOV in service
QOW in service
QOX in service
QOY in service
QOZ in service
84A due
84B due
84E due
84F due
84G due
84H due
84I due
84J due
84L due
84N due
84O due
84P due
84Q due
84R due

Just a heads up, QOZ doesn't exist :)

[Lauren J]

Just a heads up, QOZ doesn't exist :)

Oh my apologies! Thanks for the correction :)

[Tony JC]

You can add QOP and delete the second LQG as well ��

[Lauren J]

SkyTrans DH8A VH-QQF is currently flying Brisbane to Lord Howe Island. Route trialling?

[MarkR]

SkyTrans DH8A VH-QQF is currently flying Brisbane to Lord Howe Island. Route trialling?

They did say previously they had no interest in operating that route, perhaps have changed their mind?

[Tony JC]

It wouldn’t be outside the realms of possibility that QLink do a ‘deal’ with Skytrans to sell them the -200’s (-200’s having a better payload uplift ex LDH than the -100’s) and then QF codeshare or sell holiday packages to Lord Howe.

[Greg Hyde]

Skytrans may of been made an offer (contract) that they couldn't refuse $$$

[Greg Hyde]

All is revealed

LORD HOWE ISLAND FLIGHTS
Published on 28th October 2024
Qantas customers will continue to be able to fly between Sydney and Lord Howe Island for years to come as part of an agreement with regional airline Skytrans.
With the national carrier retiring the Q200 aircraft it currently operates on the route,

Skytrans has been awarded the licence to fly to the island by the New South Wales Government exclusively from 26 February 2026.

QantasLink and Skytrans are finalising a codeshare agreement that will commence when

Skytrans starts operating these flights.
This will mean locals and tourists will continue to be able to book the Lord Howe Island flights on Qantas.com, with frequent flyers earning Status Credits and Qantas Points and having access to lounges in Sydney.

The Lord Howe Island Skytrans flights will continue to operate the same schedule and frequency as QantasLink’s operations, and it intends to operate these from Qantas’ Terminal 3 at Sydney Airport. There will be no impact to existing bookings.
The 36-seat Q200 is the only aircraft in QantasLink’s fleet that is able to operate to Lord Howe Island because of the island’s runway length and is being phased out as part of a major investment in the turboprop fleet to better serve regional Australia.
QantasLink CEO Rachel Yangoyan said today’s announcement followed a commitment in June to maintaining services to the island.

“We have a long and proud history with Lord Howe Island and are pleased to be partnering with Skytrans to make sure the island continues to have a reliable air service as the Q200s are phased out of the QantasLink fleet.” Ms Yangoyan said.

“We have been working closely with Skytrans to secure a codeshare arrangement for these flights so our frequent flyers can continue to enjoy the benefits they know and love when flying with Qantas.

“Building on more than 30 years’ of services, we will continue to support both the island and Skytrans throughout the transition period, and into the future.”
Skytrans CEO Alan Milne said “Skytrans is honoured to be able to continue this essential air service and looks forward to working closely with the Lord Howe Island community to ensure a safe, reliable and customer focused operation continues.”

Skytrans has been awarded the licence to operate the regulated route to Lord Howe Island until March 2030.

TRANSITION TIMELINE
Flights can be booked on Qantas.com or via travel agents throughout and after transition.

Qantas Frequent Flyers will earn Status Credits and Qantas Points and have access to lounges in Sydney.

Present – 29 March 2025:
QantasLink continues to operate its existing flights on the Q200 aircraft under its current license.

30 March – 25 February 2026 (transitional period):
QantasLink continues to operate its existing flights on the Q200 aircraft, sharing the regulated route license with Skytrans.
Skytrans pilots and cabin crew may be training or operating the QantasLink flights during this transition period.

26 February 2026 – March 2030 (end of licence):
Skytrans will operate all flights to Lord Howe Island on the Q200 aircraft under its exclusive licence.

Flights can be booked on Skytrans.com.au, through Qantas channels or travel agents.


About Skytrans

Skytrans is an Australian based passenger airline & a member of the world’s largest ACMI provider, Avia Solutions Group. It has been serving the Cape and the Torres Strait region for over thirty years and has extensive experience providing air service to remote and isolated communities.

Founded in 1990, the airline has over 200 staff, with head office in Cairns and regional offices in Brisbane, Townsville, Rockhampton and Horn Island.
Headquartered in Queensland, Skytrans currently operates a fleet of 13 regional aircraft including 7 Dash-8 aircraft, specialising in Regular Public Transport (RPT), charter services, and ACMI (Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance, and Insurance) operations across the Asia-Pacific region and Far North Queensland and the Torres Strait. The additional Q200 aircraft will take its fleet to 16.

https://www.qantasnewsroom.com.au/media-releases/lord-howe-island-flights/?print=1

[Tristan S]

So will Skytrans purchase the 200s off QF? they don't have any in their fleet atm.

[Brenden S]

By the looks of the media release it appears to be the case.

[Ayden H]

One thing to note, QN already flies BNE-LDH with the -100s

[MarkR]

One thing to note, QN already flies BNE-LDH with the -100s

That’s not the case in terms of a RPT operation

[Dennis McLean]

QN did BNE/LDH/BNE today as QN902/903, 06.32/09.18 and 1.56pm/2.55pm. The aircraft was VH-QQF which had come to BNE from CNS via TSV last Friday as QN901. It then returned to CNS today as QN 904, 4.41pm/8.17pm

[Tony JC]

That was a promo flight as part of the press release

[Tristan S]

The 3 -200s will go to SkyTrans:

QantasLink continues to hold the regulated route licence until March 2025, and from then, there will be a transition period which will include the delivery of our three Q200 aircraft to Skytrans to enable the airline to begin operating the route and ensure ongoing connectivity to the island.

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/HhvTUZb8zW8hXohX/

[Kent Broadhead]

At least 3 of the -200s will go to SkyTrans:

That's the whole -200 QF subfleet, which had been retained primarily for LHI

[Greg Hyde]

That's the whole -200 QF subfleet, which had been retained primarily for LHI

They may pickup some other frames depending on their holdings.

[lloyd fox]

VH-TQG flew today SYD-BNE as QLK 900 and BNE-CNS as QLK902.

[Dennis McLean]

VH-TQS flew SYD/LDH/SYD twice today and VH-TQX did SYD/LDH/SYD once today

[MarkR]

Normal RPT flights for a weekend

[Greg Hyde]

VH-TQG flew today SYD-BNE as QLK 900 and BNE-CNS as QLK902.

Maybe getting Heavy Maintenance in CNS

[Lauren J]

Yes it is

[Ayden H]

C-FENY (MSN 4447, future VH-84A) was re-registered to JD Aero, a MRO provider in Sault Saint Marie, Ontario on 17/10/24, likely meaning it is receiving heavy mx and (maybe) a repaint into QLK cs.

C-GENM is still registered to WestJet Encore.

[Ayden H]

Other aircraft parked at Sault Saint Marie (YAM) are C-FIWE, C-FKWE, C-FOWE, C-GWEO and C-GWEP, however I can't say with certainty whether these frames are also heading down under.

[Tony JC]

The first Q400 is expected to arrive in BNE on Nov 21 and will enter service sometime during December

[lloyd fox]

Tony anymore updates on the delay of the next Q400.Thanks.:)

[Tony JC]

Should be due any day now.

I’d just be on the lookout for when C-FENY is active in the usual tracking websites.

[lloyd fox]

Thanks Tony.

[Greg Hyde]

C-FENY has commenced her ferry

[Tristan S]

QF have uploaded the seat maps for the 'new' Q400's
https://www.qantas.com/content/dam/qantas/pdfs/qantas-experience/onboard/seatmaps/dash-8-q400.pdf

Regos VH-84A/84B/84E/84F/84G/84H/84I/84J/84L/84N/84O/84P/84Q/84R

[lloyd fox]

Cheers Greg.

[Adrian B]

C-FENY has commenced her ferry

What does the standard ferry route look like for these a/c?

[Ayden H]

Would have to be via Alaska and Japan due to range limitations between US West Coast and Hawaii, or alternatively east

[MarkR]

P2-PXT was delivered last month YQA to POM, via YLK, YWG, YYJ, HNL, and MAJ, previously the Island Air Q400 ferries were CMA direct HNL as are the Con-air Firefighting birds.

[lloyd fox]

Yes and there is a Fire bomber Dash 8 coming to Australia now and it is flying OAK-HNL this time.

I am sure all the original Q400's came via HNL and MAJ.

[Tony JC]

Some of the early Q400’s came via Alaska, Russia, Japan, etc.

[Raymond Rowe]

Most of the time ferry flights done by Southern Cross services come via the pacific.

[Tony JC]

To be named “Roma” and will ferry via HNL and MAJ.

Due to leave 29 Nov and arrive into BNE 03 Dec.

[Zac M]

So appears they’ll take on the names of the retiring 300s if that’s the case, from the top of my head Roma was TQY

[Ayden H]

C-GENM was registered to JD Aero on 23/11/24. Will become VH-84B.

[Zac M]

VH-TQZ will reposition to Tamworth today

[Tristan S]

So appears they’ll take on the names of the retiring 300s if that’s the case, from the top of my head Roma was TQY

Yep, TQY was Roma.

[Greg Hyde]

VH-TQZ will reposition to Tamworth today

Looks like TQZ was not ready to retire to the country as yet.

In Melbourne since last Friday.

[Ayden H]

Maintenance possibly?

[Tony JC]

Will now ferry Eastbound due to no ferry tank installation

[Ayden H]

Something along the lines of YAM-YQX-GOH-KEF-STN-NAP-GZP-KWI-MCT-AMD-CMB-PEN-CGK-DPS-DRW-ISA-BNE

[Tony JC]

About half the stops but the same general route, yes

[Ayden H]

If it doesn't have a ferry tank it won't be able to fly much further than 2500-3000 km

[Tony JC]

Sault Ste. Marie-Goose Bay-Keflavik-Bergen-Corfu-Luxor-Muscat-Chennai-Columbo-Medan-Makassar-Darwin-Brisbane.

Longest leg should be DRW-BNE at just over 1500nm.

[Greg Hyde]

After a false start, filed first leg to Goose-Bay today.

[Zac M]

C-FENY has departed Goode Bay for Reykjavik

[Ayden H]

Sault Ste. Marie-Goose Bay-Keflavik-Bergen-Corfu-Luxor-Muscat-Chennai-Columbo-Medan-Makassar-Darwin-Brisbane.

Longest leg should be DRW-BNE at just over 1500nm.

https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/1266335734537781319/1313309039442137098/Untitled-1.png?ex=674fa9db&is=674e585b&hm=3220ea858c79b1053033d95a6ffa6b98ad3aa3ff96279a2 76ae22e7cc40e313c&

Don't know why the MAA-CMB leg exists.

[Robert.M]

TQE is flying MEL- TMW as QLK900. Looks like another Q300 retirement?


Don't know why the MAA-CMB leg exists.
Probably a fuel stop, to allow them to keep minimum amount of fuel for anything unexpected (tech issues, weather ect).

[Greg Hyde]

C-FENY continues her ferry and is now in Bergen, Norway

[Ayden H]

Next stop is Ljubljana, Slovenia

[Ayden H]

C-FENY has just left Bergen for Ljubljana

[Tony JC]

https://www.jetphotos.com/photo/11551741?utm_campaign=iOS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_source=iOS+App

[Ayden H]

Just landed in Medan, penultimate stop before Australia

[Greg Hyde]

C-FENY is scheduled to arrive in Darwin 06:44PM ACST

[Ayden H]

Airborne out of Medan now, bound for Makassar then Darwin tonight and Brisbane tomorrow.

After it arrives in Brisbane it will likely be deleted from the C-reg on Monday Canadian time and placed on the VH-reg.

[Dennis McLean]

C-FENY is scheduled to depart DRW at 08.00 and arrive in BNE at 2.22pm today

[Dennis McLean]

Now due at 3.41pm.

[Ayden H]

On final 01L at BNE

[Ayden H]

C-GENM was ferried from YAM to YQA for paint on 10/12/24.

[Greg Hyde]

C-FENY was deleted from the C-Reg on 11/12/24 so it should appear on the VH-reg any day.

[Greg Hyde]

VH-84A was added to the VH-Reg on 12/12/24

[Tony JC]

TQZ off to TMW this morning.

84A scheduled to enter service on Dec 20.

[Robert.M]

How many Q300 in storage in TMW now?

[Greg Hyde]

I've got six at Tamworth

SBB, TQE/H/L/Y/Z

unless some have snuck in under the radar.

[Ayden H]

So that leaves SBG/I/J/T/V/W, SCE and TQD/K/M

[Greg Hyde]

https://simpleflying.com/qantaslink-1st-ex-westjet-dash-8-q400/

https://www.australianfrequentflyer.com.au/qantaslink-q400-delivered-from-westjet/

[Tony JC]

84A scheduled to enter service on 20-Dec as QF2366 BNE-ROK.

Will then continue all stops to CNS.

There’s also an acceptance flight scheduled for 0900.

[Greg Hyde]

VH-84A received a water-cannon salute (and a good wash) when she arrived in Rocky on her 1st rev.

[Steve S... 2]

It seems like 84A is already getting into mischief.

Yesterday around 3pm while on flight from HVB-BNE, it diverted back to Hervey Bay. It left for BNE 9 hours later at midnight, and has not flown today.

[Zac M]

Don’t believe it was scheduled to fly today (at least not when I looked) but it appears it may have ferried back from BNE gear down

[Robert.M]

84A has been flying again after four to five days on the ground, been doing BNE-HVB-BNE.

Also of interest, LQB operated the first WGA-MEL by a Q400 and SBJ (which had operated MEL-WGA) was ferried from WGA-SYD.

[Dylan Hardie]

First WGA-MEL was 28th Nov and that was on QON

[Ayden H]

The third ex Westjet Dash 8 will be MSN 4453, currently registered as C-FNEN.

[Greg Hyde]

Airfleets showing

4456 DHC-8 402 VH-84B
4453 DHC-8 402 VH-84E
4460 DHC-8 402 VH-84F

[Kent Broadhead]

So QF now has the largest Q400 fleet in the world

[Greg Hyde]

There has been 136 DHC-8s that have appeared on the VH-Reg.

Of those (136), 98 are still current, 34 are on overseas registers, 0 are stored pending sale and/or scrapping, 4 have been scrapped. 0 have been lost through air incident/accident.

[Zac M]

Wouldn’t all the QantasLink ones at TMW be classed as “stored”

[Greg Hyde]

Wouldn’t all the QantasLink ones at TMW be classed as “stored”

deleted

[Ayden H]

deleted

The 4 stored at Tamworth are all still on the VH-reg.

[Brenden S]

My mate who is a F/A for Qlink said there was only 2 Dash 8's at TMW, the rest are stored at Sydney.

[Zac M]

Tamworth-
SBB 22 OCT
TQE 3 DEC
TQH 15 OCT
TQL 3 OCT
TQY 8 OCT
TQZ 17 DEC

Sydney-
SBJ 28 DEC
SBT 27 DEC

The rest are active it appears

[Brenden S]

Thanks Zac

[Zac M]

VH-SBT is due to go to TMW tomorrow.

Any idea when the next Q400 will be on its way down under?

[Zac M]

C-GENM looks to have commenced its ferry to Australia

[Tony JC]

Should be via the Pacific this time.

[Greg Hyde]

Dash8-402 4456 VH-84B Sunstate Airlines delivery 20jan25 Y YQA-YAM-YYK, QantasLink cs, C-reg ex C-GENM

[Tony JC]

YAM-YYJ-HNL so far.

Should arrive into BNE by Friday

[Greg Hyde]

YAM-YYJ-HNL so far.

Should arrive into BNE by Friday

Thanks Tony

No name yet ?

[Tony JC]

Take your pick from the retired -300’s is your best bet sorry.

All bar three of the “new” -400’s will have previous -300 names.

[lloyd fox]

It is on it's way to Majuro now.:)

[Zac M]

Take your pick from the retired -300’s is your best bet sorry.

All bar three of the “new” -400’s will have previous -300 names.

And 84B is one of them 😂

84B is reported by HNL Rarebirds on Instagram to be named “Winton”

[Greg Hyde]

And 84B is one of them 😂

84B is reported by HNL Rarebirds on Instagram to be named “Winton”

thanks, Zac,

ETA BNE @ 15:15 this arvo

[Robert.M]

84A must’ve had some issues this morning? Was scheduled for the 6:40am ABX-SYD but didn’t depart until 11:15am.

[Greg Hyde]

The will be the first prop plane to carry the name "Winton".

Previously seen on B707,B747SP & B747

[Tony JC]

Winton name confirmed. Should be registered on the VH- register early next week and in service over the coming week or two.


C-FNEN (#3) should be in Paint now in YEB.
C-GJWE (#4) is in pre paint maintenance in YAM now.

The aircraft are being registered to JD Aero as they enter pre delivery maintenance so that should give an idea to the delivery order.

[Greg Hyde]

Winton name confirmed. Should be registered on the VH- register early next week and in service over the coming week or two.


C-FNEN (#3) should be in Paint now in YEB.
C-GJWE (#4) is in pre paint maintenance in YAM now.

The aircraft are being registered to JD Aero as they enter pre delivery maintenance so that should give an idea to the delivery order.

Tony, Are they using fuel bladders to extend the range ?

[Tony JC]

Ferry tanks are installed for the pacific crossings, yes.

It’s then removed in BNE and shipped back to be reused.

[Robert.M]

Of interest C-GJWE hasn’t seen service since its tail strike in Calgary on 13 April 2024. Only done its first flight on the 9 January.

[Greg Hyde]

Of interest C-GJWE hasn’t seen service since its tail strike in Calgary on 13 April 2024. Only done its first flight on the 9 January.

Should be called "Coffs Harbour" after the BIG BANANA (not yellow but similar shape)

[Ayden H]

Of interest C-GJWE hasn’t seen service since its tail strike in Calgary on 13 April 2024. Only done its first flight on the 9 January.

Ferried over to YAM on the 20th for provisioning work before heading to QF. Likely had tailstrike repairs done in YYC.

[Greg Hyde]

Ferried over to YAM on the 20th for provisioning work before heading to QF. Likely had tailstrike repairs done in YYC.

Tail Strike incident

https://asn.flightsafety.org/wikibase/389032

Test flown x2 Calgary on 09/01/25 before the above.

If you check the ASN page you will it also involved in two other incidents

[Zac M]

SBG will position to TMW tomorrow, operations starting to wind up for the DH8C fairly quickly now, last flight on March 29 at this stage

[Greg Hyde]

With the LHI handover scheduled for 26/2/25, we should see Skytrans pickup 3 x DHC8 p from TMW . They may pickup the lot and reduced the others to spares to keep their fleet flying.

[Zac M]

Handover for LHI operations is not until February 2026, the three DH8B will remain in operation with QantasLink until this time, with a handover period presumably late this year where Skytrans and QantasLink crew will be teamed up to train the Skytrans crew on the procedures for LHI

[Rowan McKeever]

Handover for LHI operations is not until February 2026, the three DH8B will remain in operation with QantasLink until this time, with a handover period presumably late this year where Skytrans and QantasLink crew will be teamed up to train the Skytrans crew on the procedures for LHI

This tracks with the media release - transition period from 30 March until 25 Feb with Skytrans crew operating alongside QF crew on QF-operated flights, with Skytrans taking over completely from 26 Feb.

https://www.qantasnewsroom.com.au/media-releases/lord-howe-island-flights/

[Tony JC]

There’s only 4-5 lines of -300 flying left at the moment.

Once apron works in BWT are completed then all MEL-based flying will be -400.

It’s possible that 1 or 2 -300’s will be kept as spares to cover for any recovery flights over the coming months until more -400’s arrive.

Nothing has been confirmed yet as to where the -300’s will be sold to.

Parts wise, they don’t share a huge amount of commonality with Skytrans -100’s but certainly do with their -300’s.

[Ayden H]

VH-84B was added to the VH-reg on 28/1/25.

[Zac M]

There’s only 4-5 lines of -300 flying left at the moment.

Once apron works in BWT are completed then all MEL-based flying will be -400.

It’s possible that 1 or 2 -300’s will be kept as spares to cover for any recovery flights over the coming months until more -400’s arrive.

Nothing has been confirmed yet as to where the -300’s will be sold to.

Parts wise, they don’t share a huge amount of commonality with Skytrans -100’s but certainly do with their -300’s.

The last flight I can find scheduled with a 300 is 29/3 BWT-MEL

Also of note is that the Qlink 300s would all be significantly newer than Skytrans ones

[Greg Hyde]

If check up-thread you will find an announcement that Skytrans will be picking up at three (3) frames.

[Zac M]

Yes, the 200s that will operate LDH

[Greg Hyde]

VH-84B was added to the VH-reg on 28/1/25.

With 84B there are currently 99 DHC8 on the VH-Reg.

[Tony JC]

84B scheduled to enter service today as QF2546 BNE-BCI-LRE.

[Greg Hyde]

84B scheduled to enter service today as QF2546 BNE-BCI-LRE.

Thanks, Tony.

If it goes any further north on the coastal run it will need waterwings.

[Greg Hyde]

Winton entering the fray.

https://www.facebook.com/Qantas/posts/pfbid0djYMFU5dJSXfKS1BupmMvK7N4Q6bt3DsathvSYxJh4Wu ngaScb7ExQDeYytA77Wul

[Tony JC]

The 300’s have apparently all been sold in one lot. No buyer announced however pre purchase inspections have been completed.

[Tony JC]

-84A & -84B will ferry to ADL today (Sunday) in preparation for Q400 ops ex ADL on Monday.

#3 should be painted by now and not far off delivery.

C-FNEN for those following.

[Tony JC]

TQD currently ferrying to TMW for storage

[Tony JC]

TQK now also stored at TMW.

[Robert.M]

Seems the going from Q200/300 to Q400 is causing a few pains! SYD-WGA-SYD is having its 26 flights reduced to 23 and in some cases 21 from late March.

A spokesperson for Qantas said they are working to minimise disruption as much as possible and are contacting all customers with existing bookings to offer them a number of options, including a refund.
"We're making a significant investment in our turboprop fleet by adding 14 additional Q400 aircraft, which are going to bring better customer experiences, reliability and efficiencies for the regional communities that we serve," the spokesperson said.
"An important part of our fleet transition is training more pilots on the Q400 aircraft, which requires some minor adjustments to our schedule."
https://www.dailyadvertiser.com.au/story/8905547/qantas-reduces-wagga-sydney-flights-to-allow-for-pilot-training/

So far MEL-WGA-MEL is not affected. I do have two flights in late March.

[Greg Hyde]

C-FNEN is scheduled to fly YAM -> YYJ later today & I expect will head in our direction.

[James Smith]

C-FNEN is now an hour out of YYJ and is scheduled to fly to HNL tomorrow.

[James Smith]

C-FNEN has now landed in HNL.

[Greg Hyde]

Thanks James,

Probably SAT/SUN into BNE

[Greg Hyde]

Thanks James,

Probably SAT/SUN into BNE

Faster than I thought, ETA BNE 14:36 today

[James Smith]

C-FNEN is currently on its way to MAJ. Estimated, at this stage, to arrive in BNE on Saturday at 14:28 according to FlightAware. Both the current and next legs are 7 and a half hours for the Q400. Do they have fuel bladders fitted for the ferry?

[Greg Hyde]

C-FNEN is currently on its way to MAJ. Estimated, at this stage, to arrive in BNE on Saturday at 14:28 according to FlightAware. Both the current and next legs are 7 and a half hours for the Q400. Do they have fuel bladders fitted for the ferry?

Yep, fuel bladders or ferry tanks. The first delivery (84A) was without ferry tanks.

Haven't picked up her name as yet ?

[James Smith]

Yeh, the massive trip with 10 stops between YAM and BNE via Europe and Asia.

According to the HNL RareBirds site it is named "Launceston." I couldn't make out the name myself from the photo on their website.

[Greg Hyde]

Yeh, the massive trip with 10 stops between YAM and BNE via Europe and Asia.

According to the HNL RareBirds site it is named "Launceston." I couldn't make out the name myself from the photo on their website.

Thanks, James, They had posted the image after I last checked the site.

Image isn't HD enough to zoom up and check.

The NJE Dash8 also came across the Pacific with ferry tanks.

[Tony JC]

TQG off to TMW today.

Unsure if this is for storage or maintenance.

[Zac M]

I believe it is maintenance, there was a number of flights scheduled to be Dash 8-200 over the weekend that were taken up by VH-SBV

[Tony JC]

Yeh, the massive trip with 10 stops between YAM and BNE via Europe and Asia.

According to the HNL RareBirds site it is named "Launceston." I couldn't make out the name myself from the photo on their website.

Name is confirmed and will be registered as -84E in the next few days

[Greg Hyde]

Name is confirmed and will be registered as -84E in the next few days

Thanks, Tony

[Ayden H]

C-FNEN was deleted from the C-reg on 18/3/25 as exported to Australia.

[Greg Hyde]

C-FNEN was deleted from the C-reg on 17/3/25 as exported to Australia.

Ayden, C-Reg attached shows deletion date of 18/03/25

https://wwwapps.tc.gc.ca/Saf-Sec-Sur/2/CCARCS-RIACC/ADetHis.aspx?id=1620575&rfr=RchHsRes.aspx?st=2&m=%7CFNEN%7C&cn=%7C%7C&mn=%7C%7C&sn=%7C%7C&cnn=%7C%7C&tn=%7C%7C&ln=%7C%7C&fn=%7C%7C&rfr2=RchHs.aspx

[Ayden H]

Ayden, C-Reg attached shows deletion date of 18/03/25

https://wwwapps.tc.gc.ca/Saf-Sec-Sur/2/CCARCS-RIACC/ADetHis.aspx?id=1620575&rfr=RchHsRes.aspx?st=2&m=%7CFNEN%7C&cn=%7C%7C&mn=%7C%7C&sn=%7C%7C&cnn=%7C%7C&tn=%7C%7C&ln=%7C%7C&fn=%7C%7C&rfr2=RchHs.aspx

Typo, sorry

[Greg Hyde]

VH-84E was added to the VH-Reg on 20 March 2025

[Greg Hyde]

C-FWEZ has recently joined C-GJWE in YAM, looks like the next QFLink bird.

[Tony JC]

I believe it is maintenance, there was a number of flights scheduled to be Dash 8-200 over the weekend that were taken up by VH-SBV

Back in service now so yes just maintenance.

I don’t believe the -200’s will be stored apart from any maintenance/repaint once Skytrans take over the LHI route in their own right.

[Zac M]

TQG is reportedly painted all white

[Tony JC]

https://www.aeroroutes.com/eng/250324-qn1q26ldh

Skytrans schedules out

[Greg Hyde]

Tamworth parking

https://scontent.fsyd5-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/485089734_1101741288420856_3762457553794762281_n.j pg?_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=833d8c&_nc_ohc=iJgiZHHtCnIQ7kNvgHABDpG&_nc_oc=AdkdDlVRG8SXfC2Njug5GjPU_WiSrSQ82tbN8cg82Yx BcgTgsZ8-GTE5KOeN0HK2cOXS2au0kPgaemOb7wYIwaNi&_nc_zt=23&_nc_ht=scontent.fsyd5-1.fna&_nc_gid=k9ljJoAhhFwyjaQZwGZn4A&oh=00_AYHqhHFEnv1uFu3hhYf8GZ0OWrMdi2g_OmByRzAITAUY oA&oe=67E87179

[Lauren J]

TQG is reportedly painted all white

Confirmed now

[Ayden H]

Wasn't that long ago we saw it in Brisbane headed for Cairns.
https://media.discordapp.net/attachments/1266335734537781319/1354432594128932936/IMG_5428.jpg?ex=67e54526&is=67e3f3a6&hm=16e43ab0002663b6399f4fbc0a3e9bdb8416731317263d6 41c1ac1fae38b9900&=&format=webp&width=966&height=544

[Greg Hyde]

VH-84E is scheduled to enter service this morning with QLK2458, BNE -> MOV

[Robert.M]

They needed it to enter service yesterday! QOS went tech at WGA. So some of the BNE pax had to be moved onto different flights. Some were lucky to get on the SYD and MEL flights at 2pm to get a connection to BNE.

I was hoping to get one of the 84A/B on my MEL flight but no such luck, both are back on the SYD runs.

[Tony JC]

Skytrans operating a SYD-LDH return today and tomorrow in TQG under their own callsign.

No commercial pax on board.

[Tony JC]

SBW now parked in TMW

[Greg Hyde]

TQG (the white one) has been leased to Skytrans

Just read that it may of been sold to Skytrans

TQG was sold to Skytrans on 4/4/25 (Reg updated)

[Tony JC]

TQX to follow in May.
TQS in June.

[Tony JC]

Can’t confirm the s/n yet but 84G has been painted.

[Tristan S]

Avmax have finalised the purchase of 19 QF Dash 8s, 3 x 200 16 x 300s - with the 200s being leased to Skytrans.

https://avitrader.com/2025/04/09/avmax-acquires-qantas-aircraft-expands-skytrans-ties/

[Greg Hyde]

The final QantasLink flight to Lord Howe Island is reportedly the 17th May 2025

[Greg Hyde]

C-GJWE has commenced her ferry flight.

[Tony JC]

Should be -84G

[Lauren J]

Should be -84G

AirFleets has GJWE as 84F, is this an error?

[Greg Hyde]

Oh, I do like Rego lotto.

[Tony JC]

Not sure. I’ve seen the nose of -84G painted so assumed it was the next one out.

[Greg Hyde]

If they are going in sequence based on their arrival to YAM then C-GJWE should VH-84F.

Databases like planespotters & airfleets reply on info from spotters (I even supply them rego info when added to the VH-Reg).

I prefer to wait until a photo with VH-Reg (which is not always correct) or addition to VH-Reg to confirm.

[Greg Hyde]

Two more (reportedly going to QF) are:

C-FKWE 4467
C-FUWE 4477

[James Smith]

C-GJWE has commenced her ferry flight.

Currently in HNL.

[Greg Hyde]

C-GJWE has just landed in Majuro, not sure if they have enough time to make BNE tonight.

[Dennis McLean]

There is no onward flight showing yet

[Greg Hyde]

There is no onward flight showing yet

Thanks, Dennis, her name is

Horn Island Ngurupai

[James Smith]

C-GJWE is ferrying MAJ to BNE tomorrow 25/4/25 with an ETA, at this stage, of 13:52, according to FlightAware. It is nearly an 8 hour flight, so the bladder must be stretched to the limit.

[James Smith]

Arrived in BNE at 14:26 today. It looks to have "4F" painted above the windscreen on a photo posted by HNL Rare Birds as it passed through there.

https://hnlrarebirds.blogspot.com/

[Tony JC]

TQX to TMW today for paint into white.

[Tony JC]

84A has ferried SYD-CNS for maintenance. Due back 10 May. Likely for interior refit to bring it to the same standard as the refurbished Dash8’s.

[MarkR]

84A has ferried SYD-CNS for maintenance. Due back 10 May. Likely for interior refit to bring it to the same standard as the refurbished Dash8’s.

CNS normally does the heavy stuff, wonder why not Tamworth?

[Tony JC]

TMW is being shut down once the -200/300’s are disposed of.

CNS also does the interior refits while in heavy maintenance so has all the required tooling/interior components.

[Greg Hyde]

C-GWEG has been withdrawn from Encore and ferried to YAM on 24/04/2025

[James Smith]

C-FWEZ ferried to YAM on 22/4/25.

[Greg Hyde]

C-FWEZ ferried to YAM on 22/4/25.

On it's way back to YAM after getting painted in YQA.

Originally ferried into YAM on 19/03/25.

[Tony JC]

JD Aero are doing the pre delivery checks in YAM.
Muskoka Aircraft Refinishing are doing the repaints in YQA.

[James Smith]

Thanks for that information, Tony.

Does YEB (Bar River, Ontario) play a part in the preparation of the Dash 8 400s for delivery?

[Tony JC]

Possibly just an overflow facility for the above.

[Greg Hyde]

VH-84F/4460 was added to the VH-Reg on 28/04/25

[Greg Hyde]

C-GJWE is ferrying MAJ to BNE tomorrow 25/4/25 with an ETA, at this stage, of 13:52, according to FlightAware. It is nearly an 8 hour flight, so the bladder must be stretched to the limit.

Read on another site:

6 fuel cells, not bladders, installed in the cabin. An additional 6K lbs of JetA.

[Ayden H]

delete

[Adrian B]

C-GJWE is ferrying MAJ to BNE tomorrow 25/4/25 with an ETA, at this stage, of 13:52, according to FlightAware. It is nearly an 8 hour flight, so the bladder must be stretched to the limit.

Its OK there are toilets on board....... :)

[Tony JC]

TQX back to SYD today now in all white.

[Lauren J]

Does anyone know when the first -300 will leave Tamworth? I would love to visit and get some photos while they are all parked there

[Zac M]

84F is slated to enter service as QF2456 BNE-MOV on Tuesday

[Tony JC]

Now QF2376 today BNE-HVB.

[Tony JC]

84G due in June
the following one due in July

[Tony JC]

Q300’s now due to finish flying in July/August due to delays in the training program for crew. Q200’s still due to finish up next week.

[Tony JC]

C-GWEO s/n 4462 will become VH-84G

[Greg Hyde]

VH-TQX was transferred to Skytrans on 9 May 2025 but is scheduled on the SYD -> LDH run this morning using a QLink Flight # (QLK292)

[Tony JC]

Possibly a Flightaware glitch as TQX is also scheduled to operate to LDH under the Skytrans callsign.

[Greg Hyde]

Possibly a Flightaware glitch as TQX is also scheduled to operate to LDH under the Skytrans callsign.

It looked odd, now updated to SKP2292 / QN2292

Thanks Again,

Greg

[Tony JC]

I believe TQY has had its QantasLink colours removed in TMW.