Just back to the topic of a/c selection. Was at a corporate powow after the QF board meeting and Geof was asked about rumours of 717 replacing the146.
He stated QF inherited the 717 it was not QFs choice of a/c however he confirmed the 146 needed replacing.
In the West 717 may struggle on hot days to the smaller mining towns, strips being only 1500m or so. As stated previously the major regional a/p inWA are 733 &734 serviced already. At these ports possible
VB action has to be considered and QF would not want to be caught flying 146 against
VB 738 or 7s.
QF direct flights MEL BME on 738 is the first example of this.
The telling factor is what a/c could Link fly without upsetting any pilot eng or cabin agreements. Anyone know??
