QantasLink unveils cabin upgrades for regional flyers

QantasLink stated (26-Jun-2018) its first upgraded turboprop aircraft will commence commercial operations on Tamworth-Sydney sector on 26-Jun-2018 with a new cabin product. The upgraded Bombardier Q300 turboprop was unveiled at QantasLink's hangar facility at Tamworth Airport, the airline's hub for regional aircraft maintenance. The programme to upgrade the fleet of 45 Q200, Q300 and Q400 aircraft is expected to be completed by the end of 2019. The fleet upgrade is part of a multi-million dollar commitment to providing regional passengers with a better overall travel experience. The improved turboprop experience includes new ergonomic seat cushioning, leather upholstery, tablet device holders, a refreshed colour palette of greys and charcoals and new floor coverings. Each turboprop aircraft takes around 10 days to upgrade, with up to 13 engineers and project support staff working on each aircraft. The work is timed to coincide with scheduled maintenance and closely aligns the turboprop interiors with those in the QantasLink jet fleet. The first Q300 to be upgraded was repainted with the airline's updated Kangaroo logo and is named 'Birdsville' as part of an initiative promoting destinations around regional Australia. [more - original PR]