We mite see QF replace the B717 with a new Regional Jet during the life of the new contract
Or a new operator, as the guys/gals of Mackay, Rocky, Canberra and the original Bris Vegas base can attest to. Contract or no, AA/QF always have had and always will have the option to sustitute other a/c on a route they deem to be no longer suitable for 717 ( or in the old days, 146 ) , IMO thats why QF/NJS have lasted so long, they love the flexibility. I would be very wary of upping stumps from the security of PER or DRW to move to BNE.
Foot note : 717 being sent to replace alliance F100s, QF now own an F100 operator that at the moment does'nt have the capacity, at the moment......