That's before the failure rate is considered. History indicates that it is considerable, I.e. Props to jet command
Now that is a very interesting statement.... Tell that to the Impulse to J* boys and girls.
I think Qantas believe they can make more money operating the Q400's in WA themselves via Qantaslink (sunstate/eastern) rather than going via Cobham. A WA Q400 operation would only be an extension to their existing operations. Wages paid to pilots who are employed by Cobham have very little to do with the return Qantas gets from the contract....