QantasLink Dash-8-Q400 VH-QOA First of Type in New Qantas Colours Pops into CQ Airports

On Thursday 12 October, QantasLink Dash-8-Q400 made visits to three CQ towns the day after returning from Townsville where it was re-painted into the new Qantas livery.

It is photographed initially visiting Rockhampton Airport.

It then operated through Bundaberg Airport where it was also photographed.

VH-QOA then completed a flight to Moranbah Airport before returning to Rocky where it was due to stay overnight.

It was interesting to note that VH-QOA retained its original name of 'Gladstone'.

VH-QOA is the first Dash-8-Q400 to be re-painted into the new Qantas livery.  At this stage, several Dash-8-Q300s have been re-painted as shown on VH-SBT which was also recently spotted at Bundaberg Airport.

Qantas unveiled this updated livery and kangaroo logo to coincide with plans to introduce the Boeing B787 Dreamliner into service later this year.  The new livery is only the fifth to be introduced since the kangaroo first appeared on Qantas aircraft in 1944, and the first livery refresh since 2007 ahead of the Airbus A380’s introduction into service the following year.

The new Qantas brand summary (Source:  Qantas)

• A streamlined kangaroo on the tail of the aircraft, with shading to give it a sense of depth and movement. The kangaroo itself has been simplified for a cleaner, more modern look.
• A silver band has been added to the rear of the aircraft, flowing from the tail through to the rear of the fuselage for a more premium feel and more contrast between the red tail and the rest of the aircraft.
• A new, slimmer font for the world ‘Qantas’ on the side of the aircraft and the colour made slightly lighter.
• The word Qantas is added to the belly for increased visibility when aircraft are flying overhead.
• Adding the kangaroo to the inside curved edge of the wingtips so that they are visible in-flight and meaning they will also appear in pictures people take out the aircraft windows.
• Replacing, centring and enlarging the kangaroo that appears on outboard engine cowls, so that it is more prominent and identifiable.
• Re-introducing the iconic ‘winged kangaroo’ that featured on Qantas tails in the 1960s, ’70s, and ’80s by placing it under the cockpit window and integrating it with the aircraft name currently in this position (note: the actual aircraft names are unchanged).
• The classic ‘Qantas red’ and white of the fuselage are unchanged.

Sincere thanks to local plane spotters Kayanne H and Dan B for taking the time to capture and send through these great photos!

Photos taken by Kayanne Hardsman and Dan B  ©