QantasLink Perth Q400 Base?
 

Also heard a whisper about some Dash 8 -400 maintenance work being carried out in the QF hanger at LST in the future.

That's my understanding of it, Q400's in perth to compete against XR over Geralton, Albany and Esperence. Commencing in December 2010, subject to award as the second operator by the WA government, I'm not sure if virgin has bid for it as well. I'd be surprised if they have, but then Geralton is all they'd be interested in anyway and doesnt have any route rights requirements on it for a jet operator.

I doubt Launceston, as Q400 maintenance to Canberra base later this year is confirmed.

Better get some more Dash8's then!

Forgive my ignorance but I thought that Cobham wore the QLink boots around Perth with the 717.

Does this mean that Sunstate will be operating the 400 out of there or does Cobham get another type?

FRQ CB

That depends on what option is best (read makes more money) for the "Group".

QF have never made a move in the regionals that was risky. Starting a new base (or type for that matter) may be seen as too risky and probably best left with a contractor who can be dropped if it doesn't work out.

+G

The Q400's would only truly work on GEL, ESP it would be touch and go in terms of economical loads. ALH not a chance of filling up 72 seats on a regular basis.

ESP they wouldn't get pavement dispo's either, so you can pretty much rule that out.

Do Q400's have hot galleys?

No hot galleys on the Q400. Closest thing you'll get is hot tea/coffee or preheated pastry. I believe F50 has a hot galley? Correct me if I'm wrong.

Where is Normasars?? He may know the goss....??

Well Cobham already operate DHC8 aircraft out of Perth and also the Coastwatch contract so hardly "new", granted -400 aircraft would be "new".

Have I missed something here, the Q400 is nothing to do with Cobham and never will be. Esperence (ESP) is no different to Port Lincoln (PLC) in fact PLC is more limiting than ESP. Qantas has been lobbied by the WA communities in question and the WA Government for years. It was made quite clear years ago that these routes will no longer be exclusive.

This is a case of these communities getting what they want finally. QF's Q400
will be welcomed and supported, in my view it will be XR that will struggle, no different to REX over the eastern states where QF have rolled out the 400's over their regional routes.

Cobham do the line maintenance for the 400's inAdelaide I understand.

Beaver Rotate,

Have heard a few rumblings around the traps and NC have certainly approached QF to crew said a/c ala B717 arrangement. That is gospel.

However, Tea & Bikkies may know more than I. He is the Man.

Regards

Norma

Very interesting to see how it all pans out. QF will have the upper hand in being able to offer on-carriage through Perth as well. Would be interesting to see where they would operate from, despite recent upgrades to the QF terminal in Perth the addition of more routes and aircraft could be problematic? WAC's plan is I believe for QF put some capacity out of T3 once the new TWA is built and if XR and DJ move over there.

I would agree with Xeptu that EPR is probably no different to Port Lincoln in terms of being able to justify a Q400 service. Pavement loading could be interesting though!

Maybe XR with their growth in other areas would gladly reduce their turboprop operation and concentrate on the RPT/mining jet routes, particularly now they are getting 1, and perhaps further, A320 types!

Heres a thought, a Q400 or two might be useful for Cobham and their Karratha - Barrow run? Rather then using the jets.

Hey Normas, as usual you know jack, you sand gropers are lightyears behind the REAL world, Hope youre enjoying it mate;)

Thanks Link, complementary as usual ;)

Yes mate, it is different over here(taking cover from incoming). Challenging to say the least, but things are going to change, and quite alot shortly.
Have you moved up to the "jet-like speeds" yet??

Check your PM's

Cheers