I can't see the logic in that. Why would you do that when you could just outfit Jconnect with new aircraft and have a quasi-premium product for the same or cheaper cost base? Surely there's more yeild operating the QF brand on those routes if the overheads are the same or cheaper doing it with Jconnect crew?
Another rumour I heard from NZ is Jetconnect operating our clapped out 76's on Tasmans, based out of Auck and CHC. Basically taking over the QF flying on the Tasman. Just another way of screwing down wide-body salaries if you ask me.