First Embraer E190 plane lands at Emerald Airport

For the first time in two decades, a new passenger aircraft type has landed at the Emerald Airport.

From this week, QantasLink flights between Emerald and Brisbane will now be operated by the larger Embraer E190 jet aircraft, alongside the existing 74-seater De-Havilland turbo-prop aircraft.

The Embraer E190 offers up to 98 seats, including a business class cabin.

Airport Manager Bryan Griggs said airport staff had been preparing for this milestone for the last two years.

‘The E190 is operating toward the maximum capabilities of Emerald Airport’s runway length, strength and width, and is maximising the manoeuvring space on the apron,’ he said.

‘Getting everything in place physically to allow this transition to happen, as well as all the relevant federal compliance documentation has been a mammoth job for our team.

‘We’ve worked collaboratively with the QantasLink team, their contracted ground handlers, as well as other airports in the region to make this a reality.’

Mayor Janice Moriarty said the inclusion of Emerald in the fleet upgrade was welcome news for the region.

‘This commercial decision by QantasLink will be of great benefit to the travelling public and it shows that Emerald is an important part of their network,’ she said.

‘A huge thank you to the airport staff and technicians for ensuring the facility was up to the task. I look forward to experiencing the new fleet first-hand in the near future!’

(From left to right) Central Highlands Regional Council Councillor Karen Newman, Acting CEO Ross Higgins, General Manager Commercial and Corporate Services Carolyn Knudsen, Councillor Gillian Wilkins, Councillor Robert Donaldson and Mayor Janice Moriarty with Qantas Base Operations Managers Scott Furler and Dale Starkey in front of the first Embraer E190 to land in Emerald. The first Embraer E190 aircraft touches down in Emerald on 14 May 2024.