Network Aviation is an airline based at Perth Airport, operating regular scheduled and air charter services in support of fly-in fly-out mining operations throughout Western Australia and limited regular scheduled services interstate. Since 2015, Network Aviation has primarily flown under the QantasLink brand. In partnership with subsidiary engineering provider Network Turbine Solutions, Network Aviation operates over 50 flights a week on behalf of mining companies to facilitate crew changes at remote sites.
History
After assisting to establish Skippers Aviation, Lindsay Evans founded Network in 1998.Into the fold Australian Aviation issue 339 September 2015 pages 46-50 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.Qantas confirms Network acquisition Australian Aviation 13 December 2010 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.Network Becomes QantasLink Australian Aviation 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.Network gets the nod to take on Qantas run The Australian 30 May 2014 page 30
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. The First E190 to join the Network Aviation Fleet arrived into Perth on the 8th of September 2026 with the intention of entering service in Late 2026/Early 2027.
Following retirement from passenger service in 2026, VH-NHO, the first Fokker 100 to enter service with Network Aviation in 2008, and VH-NPU were donated to the Historical Aircraft Restoration Society in Parkes and Shellharbour respectively for use as static displays
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 May 2026, Network Aviation operates
AircraftIn serviceOrdersPassengers (Y)NotesAirbus A319-1009—150Former Spirit Airlines aircraft.Airbus A320-20019—180Former Jetstar and Jetstar Asia AircraftEmbraer E190—3100 (TBC)Up to 14 aircraft planned. First aircraft expected to enter service Q4 2026Fokker 10012https://www.casa.gov.au/search-centre/aircraft-register?reg=&search_api_fulltext=Network&field_tx_aircraft_manufacturer=&dt_first_registered%5Bmin%5D=&dt_first_registered%5Bmax%5D=&field_tx_aircraft_model=F28MK0100 —100Former Tyrolean Airways and Avianca aircraft.To be retired and replaced by Embraer E190 and A320. Total403
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
External links
Official website