The Dash 8-Q400 operates the regular flights between Cairns and Horn Island, which serves as the main airport for Thursday Island. The aircraft is well suited to this route, offering a comfortable and reliable service connecting Far North Queensland with the Torres Strait. For many regional Australians, QantasLink is more than an airline, it is a lifeline, offering safe, dependable connections that enable work, movement, and new opportunities, particularly in remote and regional areas.
I had been working on Thursday Island for a few weeks, but the role wasn’t what I had expected. I decided to move on and took a QantasLink flight to Cairns, where I already had job opportunities lined up and a place to live, ready for a fresh start. QantasLink is the only operator on this sector and being between Christmas and New Years Eve, the fare was a whopping $429. Add to that an additional $65 for excess luggage which I pre booked.
The Aircraft
The QantasLink Dash 8-Q400 is a modern regional turboprop renowned for its reliability, speed, and efficiency. Offering a smooth, quiet ride and excellent short-runway capability, it plays a vital role in connecting regional communities, including the Torres Strait, with major hubs across Australia, with Cairns serving as the key hub.
This aircraft, registered VH-QOU, was the eighth of twelve QantasLink Dash 8 Q400s ordered by Qantas Airways. Powered by Pratt & Whitney Canada PW150A engines, it was accepted in Toronto in October 2009, fitted with long-range tanks, and delivered to Australia in December 2009 via Toronto, Honolulu, Majuro, and Brisbane.
The Seat
There are two versions of the Dash-8 in the QantasLink fleet, the earlier version seating 74 passengers and the newer seating 78.
The version I am travelling on seats 74 in a 2-2 configuration. While nothing fancy, they are perfectly acceptable for this 1 hour 45 minute flight. Sadly there is no USB chargers, power points or seat back TV, Its. pretty bare-bones aircraft.
The legroom, however, is quite decent offering 30″-31″ of seat pitch and 17″ of seat width.
The Entertainment
As mentioned, there is no inflight entertainment except for the inflight magazine.
Of course the views of flying over Far North Queensland the Great Barrier Reef is the entertainment and are pretty spectacular.
The Food
Food and drinks are complimentary on this service.
We are firstly served a cinnamon myrtle apple muffin cake with a bottle of water.
A second service offered a selection of snacks from a basket and a drink of choice. I go for the barbecue rice crackers and a Sauvignon Blanc wine.
But believe it or not there was a third service! A roast beef and cheese sandwich which were left overs from the flight from Cairns to Horn Island and this was quite tasty.
The Service
Stellar service from the QantasLink crew.
The service was exceptionally friendly, with staff displaying warmth, professionalism, and genuine care, creating a welcoming and positive experience throughout the journey.
Conclusion
QantasLink continues to play a vital role in connecting regional Australia, providing reliable, safe, and efficient air services that support communities, employment, and opportunity across the country.
Matty Somewhere 
Interesting to read and learn – since this flight really amounts to a version of a longish inner-city bus or train service I guess more sophisticated food and drink are not really required . . . hope a new job and place to live in Cairns will bring you satisfaction . . . the rainy season soon over hopefully you will have an enjoyable winter!