There is no logic in any of this..........
When Southern introduced the 146, they did it under budget. Most thought for good reasons that it was partly to benchmark/cap the costs of NJS. For most of the time they have operated the 146, they have done so at a lower seat cost per km than Airlink (NJS). I guess QF should have been happy with that, but in closing Southern they obviously have grand plans which dont involve saving/making money. The 717s no matter how good they are, are clearly a more expensive option. Not to mention the costs associated with sorting out all the staff issues.
Pitty the grand plan is unknown to most of us including the shareholders. Next AGM should be interesting?