QantasLink Embraer E190
QantasLink's first Embraer E190 arrives in Perth, starting F100 fleet replacement
QantasLink's first Embraer E190, registered VH-E9A, arrived in Perth on September 7, 2026, after a 20-hour delivery journey from Norwich, United Kingdom. This marks the beginning of the airline's plan to replace its aging Fokker F100 fleet across its Western Australian resources charter operations, with up to 14 mid-life E190s scheduled to enter commercial service from January 2027.
Introduction of the E190
The E190 will bring a range of upgrades to regional WA, including new seats with adjustable headrests, USB-A and USB-C charging, and personal device holders. Wi-Fi will be installed on each aircraft, allowing passengers to stream content on their own devices through the Qantas Entertainment App. The aircraft will also introduce Qantas Economy Plus to the regional charter network, offering customers more legroom, priority boarding, and priority access to overhead baggage space.
Training and Development
The fleet transition is creating significant training and development opportunities within Western Australia. Approximately 70 pilots, cabin crew, and engineers will receive a combined 18,000 hours of training by the end of the year to operate and maintain the initial E190 fleet. Once the program reaches full scale, more than 600 personnel could be trained on the type.
Comparison of F100 and E190
The E190 represents a significant upgrade over the outgoing F100s, with improved seating, onboard Wi-Fi, and USB charging. The E190 is also quieter, more fuel efficient, and can fly further than the F100, opening up new route possibilities for the network. The following table compares some key features of the F100 and E190:
| Feature | F100 | E190 |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 100 | 100 |
| Wi-Fi | No | Yes |
| USB Charging | No | Yes |
| Range | Limited | Further |
Future Plans
The introduction of the E190 is part of a wider investment in QantasLink's Western Australian operations. Nineteen Perth-based Airbus A320s are also being fitted with Wi-Fi and undergoing seat and cabin upgrades, with the first expected to be completed by the end of October. Trevor Worgan, Chief Operating Officer and Regional General Manager of Network Aviation Australia, said the E190 represents more than just a fleet swap, but an investment in the next generation of aircraft to serve customers and communities for decades to come. The first E190, VH-E9A, was named Exmouth, continuing a Western Australian tradition of naming aircraft after regional destinations.
