QantasLink’s upgraded Boeing 717 jets with Business Class and in-flight entertainment for all passengers will be deployed on all flights between Hobart and mainland Australia.

The upgraded 110-seat jets will be used on Hobart – Sydney and Hobart – Melbourne flights from mid-2014, with the B717 aircraft size and configuration ideally suited to these routes.

QantasLink Executive Manager John Gissing said customers travelling to and from Hobart will experience an exceptional on-board product.

“These jets will have market-leading seats, premium food and drinks and exceptional on board service,” Mr Gissing said

“We will also be providing individual iPad’s for in-flight entertainment for all customers – in both Business and Economy.

“The continued investment in our fleet shows the commitment and confidence that we have in the Australian domestic market and in particular to Tasmania.”

“This will mean all flights from Sydney and Melbourne to Hobart will be using jet aircraft that will be based in Hobart.”

Qantas’ Boeing 737 and QantasLink’s Q400 aircraft currently operating into Hobart will be redeployed to other parts of the domestic network.

The upgraded QantasLink Boeing 717 aircraft will be operated by Cobham. The exact flight schedule is still to be determined.

Mr Gissing said Cobham would begin advertising this month for approximately 30 cabin crew and 15 pilots to be based in Hobart.

“Having these aircraft based in Hobart is great news for Tasmania,” he said.

QantasLink is upgrading five B717s which will be introduced to the domestic fleet during FY14, initially on flights from Canberra.  Qantas Domestic’s 13 other B717s are also being upgraded with new interiors in an all-economy configuration.

QantasLink is Australia’s largest regional airline and operates a network of 56 metropolitan and country destinations across Australia as well as to Port Moresby.