An extract from an artical just over 2 years ago regarding QLinks aquistion of more Q400 aircraft:
But Virgin Blue believes that the Qantas operated turbo-props will be no match for its new generation E-jets, which offer much wider seats and more legroom than on all other domestically operated aircraft.
"We believe our E-jets will compete very well with their turbo-prop competitors, " said Heather Jeffery, Virgin's head of corporate affairs, in response to the Qantas Q400 deal.
Brett Godfrey, her boss and chief executive of Virgin Blue, was far more forthcoming in an interview last month with BusinessDaily.
"Where people have to make a choice they will prefer to fly on jets than on turbo-prop planes," he said.
Quite clear what they thought of turboprops and the e-jets impact on regional routes back then. Whilst the added competition has made an impact on load factors it seems most passengers will just opt for the lowest fare (or preferred operator) regardless of type.
Read an interview with BG a few years back where he said that that
VB looked at turboprops but the economics were horrendous.
Maybe he got the regional jet and turboprop documents mixed up or mislabelled?