Australia’s Cobham adds first Q400 to its fleet
Cobham Aviation Services officially welcomed its first Q400 aircraft with the capability to transform Australia’s fly-in-fly-out (FIFO) market. The 76-seat Q400 Q series will service Cobham’s current and future FIFO passenger operations to regional and remote locations.
This step-change, the key part of a fleet renewal program, will be further enhanced next month with the delivery of a second Q400 which will also be deployed to support customers in the resources sector.
Ryan Both, CEO of the company, said the new aircraft will be integral to operations as Cobham grows and broadens its flexible FIFO offer.
“The Q400 creates a strong platform for growth and greatly reduces complexity in our business. It enhances operational reliability, reduces maintenance time and carries a bright and fresh cabin with 2×2 seating,” Both said.
The Q400 also burns significantly less fuel than other aircraft operating in the FIFO market. More than 600 Q400s have already been sold worldwide.
“We expect the Q400 to advance Cobham’s position as a leader in the FIFO market and enable us to provide existing and future FIFO customers with unique and reliable solutions better tailored to their needs,” Both said.
The aircraft, based in Perth, will service several of Cobham’s existing clients including Alliance Minerals’ Bald Hill Mine in Kalgoorlie, Round Oak Minerals’ Jaguar Mine in Goldfields Esperance, Northern Star Resources’ Jundee Mine and the Independence Group (IGO)’s Nova Mine in the Fraser Ranges.
