Network Aviation

History

After assisting to establish Skippers Aviation, Lindsay Evans founded Network in 1998. Originally operating a mix of smaller aircraft types such as Cessna 441 Conquest IIs, Cessna 310s and Beechcraft Super King Airs, in partnership with key clients Network grew into larger types and commenced operating Embraer Brasilias in 2000 and Fokker 100s in 2008.

In February 2011, Network Aviation was purchased by Qantas. Network retains its current management, employees and operating structure, with the business to be aligned with Qantas' operations, standards and processes. With the purchase, Qantas stated it was looking at significantly growing Network's fleet and operations. On taking over Network, Qantas announced that it was purchasing ten Fokker 100 aircraft for the company.

In May 2014, Network Aviation received approval to operate three weekly services from Perth to Exmouth with Fokker 100s.

In March 2015, QantasLink ceased its scheduled turboprop aircraft operations in Western Australia. Network Aviation took over services to Geraldton and some services to Exmouth. On 31 July 2015, Qantas announced that the Fokker 100 aircraft would be progressively repainted in QantasLink colours.

In September 2016, Network Aviation became an affiliate member of the Oneworld airline alliance.

In January 2018, Network Aviation confirmed it would transfer two Airbus A320s from Jetstar for flights to and from Perth as part of the QantasLink brand. Network Aviation has steadily increased its use of ex-Jetstar Airbus A320s since then to a total of 19.

In February 2023, Qantas announced an order for five mid-life Airbus A319s to increase short term capacity and support the growth of the resource sector in Western Australia for delivery from 2024. Qantas announced in February 2024, following a strong performance in the resources sector that four additional A319 aircraft had been purchased, bringing the total to nine.

On 25 June 2025, Qantaslink announce that the Embraer E190 was selected as the preferred replacement for the Fokker 100 fleet, up to 14 aircraft will be sourced for targeted delivery beginning at the end of 2026. The retirement of the Fokker 100 will begin early with the arrival of four Airbus A320s from defunct Jetstar Asia, bring the total to 19.

Destinations

Network Aviation operates regular services to fixed schedules from Perth Airport to the following destinations in Western Australia:. The airline also operates a number of charters to select destinations to facilitate "Fly-In, Fly-Out" working rosters on mining sites.

;New South Wales

• Newcastle

;Northern Territory

• Darwin

;Tasmania

• Hobart

;Western Australia

• Gascoyne region
  • Exmouth (Learmonth Airport)
• Goldfields–Esperance region
  • Carosue Dam
  • Kalgoorlie
• Kimberley region
  • Broome
  • Koolan Island
• Mid West region
  • Geraldton
• Pilbara region
  • Boolgeeda
  • Buttbreak iron ore mine
  • Christmas Creek mine (Graeme Rowley Aerodrome)
  • Cloudbreak mine (Fortescue Dave Forrest Airport)
  • Iron Bridge mine
  • Eliwana mine
  • Karratha
  • Ken's Bore mine
  • Newman
  • Onslow
  • Paraburdoo
  • Port Hedland
  • Roy Hill Mine (Ginbata Airport)
  • Solomon Hub iron ore mine (Solomon Airport)
  • Wodgina mine
  • West Angelas mine
• South West region
  • Busselton Overseas Territories
• Christmas Island - Christmas Island Airport
• Cocos (Keeling) Island - Cocos (Keeling) Island Airport

Fleet

Current fleet

As at November 2025, Network Aviation operates

Formerly operated

Network Aviation formerly also operated the following types of aircraft:

• Beechcraft 200 Super King Air
• Cessna 310
• Cessna 441 Conquest II
• Embraer EMB-120ER Brasilia

References

References

1. Into the fold ''[[Australian Aviation]]'' issue 339 September 2015 pages 46-50
2. (15 December 2010). "Mining Boom Gave Network Aviation a Flying Start".
3. [https://australianaviation.com.au/2010/12/qantas-confirms-network-acquisition/ Qantas confirms Network acquisition] ''Australian Aviation'' 13 December 2010
4. (14 December 2010}}{{Dead link). "Qantas Takeover of Network Aviation". [[Business News (Australia).
5. [https://web.archive.org/web/20150805080228/http://australianaviation.com.au/2015/07/network-aviation-becomes-qantaslink/ Network Becomes QantasLink] ''Australian Aviation''
6. Network gets the nod to take on Qantas run ''[[The Australian]]'' 30 May 2014 page 30
7. (25 November 2014). "QantasLink to cease Dash 8 Q400 services from Perth in March 2015".
8. "Flying Kangaroo rebrand for network aviation F100 aircraft". Qantas.
9. (31 July 2015). "Network Aviation becomes QantasLink".
10. (27 September 2016). "Network Aviation joins Oneworld alliance". Aviation Business.
11. (16 January 2018). "QantasLink to operate Airbus A320 aircraft".
12. (19 July 2018). "Mixing the fleet - Network brings the A320 to QANTAS". Australian Aviation.
13. (2023-02-23). "Qantas Group Updates Fleet Plant to Boost Capacity".
14. "Flight Status". Network Aviation.
15. (2025-05-09). "QANTASLINK SUPPORTS WESTERN AUSTRALIA WITH MORE INTERSTATE CONNECTIONS".
16. (2025-08-15). "QANTASLINK LAUNCHES NEW FLIGHTS TO CHRISTMAS ISLAND AND COCOS (KEELING) ISLANDS".
17. "CASA Aircraft Register".
18. Graham, Matt. (2024-01-17). "QantasLink Welcomes ex-Spirit A319s Into Fleet".
19. Graham, Matt. (2024-01-17). "QantasLink Welcomes ex-Spirit A319s Into Fleet".
20. "CASA Aircraft Register".
21. "Airbus A320-200 {{!}} Qantas".
22. (2018-02-25). "First Qantas-painted Airbus A320 lands in Perth".
23. (2025-06-10). "Qantas to close Jetstar Asia and move planes to domestic routes".
24. (25 June 2025). "Qantas to invest in major Western Australia fleet renewal".
25. "CASA Aircraft Register".
26. "Qantaslink Seat Map Fokker 100 100 Economy".
27. (2016-07-13). "Alliance delivers Fokker 100 to QantasLink".