QantasLink will upgrade the interiors of five Boeing 717 aircraft to include Business Class and in-flight entertainment for all passengers.

QantasLink Executive Manager John Gissing said the additional five aircraft, which Qantas announced in January 2013, will be in addition to our existing fleet of 13 B717 aircraft operating across Australia.

“QantasLink will introduce a full Business experience on these aircraft, including market-leading seats, premium food and drinks and exceptional onboard service,” Mr Gissing said.

“We will also be providing individual in-flight entertainment for all customers – both Business and Economy – and are currently testing the latest technology.

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

Mr Gissing said QantasLink would be progressively introducing the five aircraft into service from late 2013, after the interior improvements are completed.

“The first aircraft will be used on Sydney-Canberra, Brisbane-Canberra and Melbourne-Canberra, with the B717 aircraft size and configuration ideally suited to these routes,” he said.

Cobham, which currently operates QantasLink’s fleet of Boeing 717 aircraft, will operate the five additional aircraft.

Some Qantas Boeing 737 aircraft will be redeployed to other parts of the Qantas domestic network.

QantasLink is Australia’s largest regional airline and operates a network of 58 metropolitan and country destinations across Australia as well as to Port Moresby.