QantasLink is phasing out its aging fleet of Fokker 100 aircraft currently used by its Western Australian subsidiary Network Aviation.
QantasLink, which is part of Australian flag carrier Qantas, said the F100s will be replaced by up to 14 Embraer 190s as part of a fleet renewal program. The airline is in the process of sourcing mid-life E190s and expects the first of the aircraft to arrive in late 2026.
Network Aviation, which is based in Perth, Australia, currently uses a mix of Airbus A319s, A320s, and F100s.
QantasLink officials said the introduction of the E190s will enhance the fleet’s fuel efficiency and reliability, while offering a more comfortable experience for passengers.
Earlier this month, Qantas said Network Aviation will receive four more A320s following the shutdown of Singaporean low-cost carrier Jetstar Asia, which Qantas owns a stake in. These A320s are expected to enter service for Network Aviation by the end of the year, allowing the airline to retire four F100s early.
The F100 was produced between 1986 and 1997, when Fokker went bankrupt. Though retired by major U.S. airlines, the regional jet remains popular in Australia and is flown by the flag carriers of Iran and Papua New Guinea.
