Commercial Aviation
Qantas Fleet Renewal and Cabin Upgrades for Western Australia
Qantas plans to replace Fokker 100 planes with Embraer E190 jets and upgrade cabins with Wi-Fi and new seats by early 2027 in Western Australia.
This article is based on an official press release from Qantas and supplementary industry data.
Qantas has announced a significant multi-million dollar investment aimed at revitalizing its Western Australian subsidiary, Network Aviation. According to an official statement released by the airline on January 18, 2026, the initiative focuses on retiring aging aircraft and enhancing the onboard experience for the state’s critical resources sector and regional communities.
The comprehensive plan involves the gradual retirement of the long-serving Fokker 100 fleet, which is set to be replaced by Embraer E190 jets. Additionally, the carrier confirmed a sweeping cabin refurbishment program for its existing Airbus A320 and A319 fleet, bringing high-speed Wi-Fi and modern seating to regional routes. QantasLink CEO Mark Dal Pra described the move as a reinforcement of the group’s long-term commitment to the West.
A central pillar of the announcement is the modernization of Network Aviation’s fleet. For over three decades, the Fokker 100 (F100) has been a staple of regional aviation in Western Australia. However, Qantas has confirmed that these aircraft will now be phased out in favor of the Embraer E190.
According to the press release, the airline plans to acquire up to 14 E190 aircraft. The initial batch of three mid-life jets is expected to arrive by the end of 2026. The E190 is touted for its superior fuel efficiency and reliability compared to the outgoing Fokker fleet, offering a significant upgrade in operational performance for the high-frequency Fly-In, Fly-Out (FIFO) market.
“This multi-million-dollar investment reinforces our long-term commitment to serving the critical resources sector in Western Australia and connecting regional communities across the state.”
While QantasLink has previously utilized E190s through wet-lease agreements with Alliance Airlines, this new development marks a shift toward Network Aviation directly acquiring and operating the type. Supplementary industry reports suggest that the broader fleet renewal strategy may be supported by the redeployment of assets from within the wider aviation market, including the transfer of Airbus A320 aircraft following the reported cessation of Jetstar Asia’s operations in mid-2025.
Beyond the new aircraft, Qantas is investing heavily in the passenger experience aboard its existing fleet. The upgrade program targets Network Aviation’s 28 Airbus A320 and A319 aircraft. The airline states that the first refurbished aircraft will enter service later in 2026, with the full program scheduled for completion by early 2027.
Key features of the upgrade include: “Not only will it significantly enhance the travel experience for our customers, it will also help us improve reliability and efficiency across our WA network.”
This investment underscores the strategic importance of Perth as a “Western Hub” for the Qantas Group. By upgrading the hard product on these routes, Qantas is directly addressing the competitive demands of the resources sector. FIFO contracts are lucrative and demand high reliability; aging aircraft like the F100 can become liability in terms of maintenance downtime.
The shift to the E190 also aligns Network Aviation more closely with broader regional trends. The E190 offers a sweet spot in capacity, larger than a turboprop but more economical on thinner routes than a 737. Furthermore, the introduction of streaming Wi-Fi on the A320s brings the regional product in line with mainline domestic standards, a necessary move as competitors continue to enhance their own regional offerings.
When will the new Embraer E190s start flying? Which aircraft are being retired? Will there be Wi-Fi on regional WA flights?
Qantas Unveils Major Fleet Renewal and Cabin Upgrades for Western Australia Operations
Fleet Renewal: Transitioning to the Embraer E190
Strategic Sourcing and Industry Context
Cabin Upgrades: Connectivity and Comfort
AirPro News Analysis
Frequently Asked Questions
The first three E190s are expected to arrive and enter service by the end of 2026.
The Fokker 100 (F100) fleet is being gradually retired after more than 30 years of service.
Yes. The Airbus A320 and A319 fleet will be upgraded with high-speed Wi-Fi, with the rollout expected to be complete by early 2027.
Sources
Photo Credit: Qantas