LONDON – Australia’s regional airline Cobham Airlines, says good bye to its regional quad jets and will replace them with Q400s.
Cobham Airlines will now change its guard on its backbone aircraft from the AvroRJ100 to the much more modren fuel efficient Q400s. These aircraft are set to rule South Australian skies sooner than expected.
Its last Avro RJ1000 FIFO (Fly in Fly Out) flight touched down in Adelade at 5:45 PM on 3rd June on a Friday.
The last flight was greeted by the traditional water slute conducted by the emergency services. The aircraft used for the last flight was the VH-NJE.
This is a sombre moment for the aviation community in Australia, as it bids farewelll to one of the world’s most iconic quad engine regional jets.
After nearly 3 decades of operating the BAe 146 and the AvroRJ aircraft, for the Fly-in-fly-out and charter flights throughout South Australia, the regional airline pull the plug on her operations.
This hails a new era of regional flight in Australia, as it transitions to a more fuel-effiicnet turbo prop De Havilland Q400.
Managing Director of Cobham Regional Services, Claude Alviani stated that the quadjets of the BAe 146 and the RJ aircraft had been the ‘workhorses’ of Australian regional Australia for a decade. These metal birds are particularly common in South Australia and Western Australia for many years, catering to the FIFO and the rural community.
Alviani stated that: “They’ve had a significant impact on our national aviation history – whether it be FIFO flights, regular passenger transport (RPT) services with Australian Airlink and later QantasLink, or charter services across Australia and even overseas.”
He lter added that: “We thank all of our employees, clients and partners – past and present – who have operated and supported these aircraft throughout their lifetime with Cobham.”
Bidding farewell to the quadjets signifies the end of the retro era. As it introduces the Q400, the airline is about to enter a new environmental friendly phase.
The Q400 commenced services on the regional airline’s charter routes to Port Augusta, Prominent Hill and Carrapateena on the 6th of June.
Alvani said: “We’re thrilled to this week introduce the Q400 in South Australia – an aircraft known for its jet-like speed, outstanding airfield performance, and enhanced operational reliability.”
Further praising the Q400, Alvani added that: “The Q400 turboprop has the lowest fuel consumption per passenger seat of any turboprop in the industry.”
“It offers a 30% reduction in fuel burn compared with competing for regional jets, radically reducing carbon emissions.”
Cobham is a crucial operator in linking the Australian energy sector, especially in oil and gas, and mining.
The FIFO community relies on Cobham’s air services and has been investing in fleet renwal, which is welcomed by passengers, and brings greater environmental benefits.
