Recent posts
#11
Announcements - History and the Future / Vostochnyy Aviakompanii Digs i...
Last post by NZelenkova - September 11, 2026, 06:22:50 AMEastern Aviation Company, approved six months ago by Politburo to serve aviation needs of glorious Soviet Union in growing eastern regions, is disappointed foreign capitalist "Elite Alliance" has successfully bribed local officials for airport slots. We remain dedicated to serving Soviet people while supporting Soviet aviation industry. We proudly are first to introduce newest innovation of Tu-134 airliner and immediately became favorite of local party officials travelling to Moskva. We suspect foreign infiltrators are also continuously monitoring used market to intentionally slow our growth but we have plenty of funding to continue skipping line at Tupolev.
Our political Commissar Col. Nadia Zelenkova is long time veteran from earliest days of Soviet civil aviation with several great successes under her command and has no intention of backing down. We true Soviets will not be intimidated.
Workers of the World Unite!
Our political Commissar Col. Nadia Zelenkova is long time veteran from earliest days of Soviet civil aviation with several great successes under her command and has no intention of backing down. We true Soviets will not be intimidated.
Workers of the World Unite!
#12
Announcements - Airline Generations / Royal Nigerian- The Best Seats...
Last post by NZelenkova - September 11, 2026, 06:01:48 AMDespite having begun operations just six months prior, Royal Nigerian has announced intentions to move up a planned 1956 fleet modernization to improve profitability and passenger comfort. We had procured three DC-2 and one DC-3 aircraft from US military surplus because they were low cost and readily available to begin our largely local operation. However with time to crunch the numbers and look over several months of data, we've determined the fuel savings from switching to newer aircraft early will more than offset the significant increase in leasing costs that comes with brand new planes.
Towards that end we are pleased to announce that in just three months we will begin showing our Commonwealth patriotism with an order for brand new DeHavilland DH.114 Heron aircraft to rapidly replace our entire fleet. These Herons will introduce luxurious seating with ample room and superior comfort for our passengers compared to the ex-military benches of our present fleet. With this seating upgrade alongside modern engines with a 70% better fuel economy we will achieve the standards expected from a proper airline instead of a colonial backwater.
We continue to sit on a large reserve of capital for future investments. This not only facilitates our early exit from our existing aircraft leases but opens up the possibility of future expansion. The Heron has a significant range advantage over the DC-2/3 and we are already considering new destinations further afield in both British and French territory.
Royal Nigerian: Wire us Your Banking Information Today!
Towards that end we are pleased to announce that in just three months we will begin showing our Commonwealth patriotism with an order for brand new DeHavilland DH.114 Heron aircraft to rapidly replace our entire fleet. These Herons will introduce luxurious seating with ample room and superior comfort for our passengers compared to the ex-military benches of our present fleet. With this seating upgrade alongside modern engines with a 70% better fuel economy we will achieve the standards expected from a proper airline instead of a colonial backwater.
We continue to sit on a large reserve of capital for future investments. This not only facilitates our early exit from our existing aircraft leases but opens up the possibility of future expansion. The Heron has a significant range advantage over the DC-2/3 and we are already considering new destinations further afield in both British and French territory.
Royal Nigerian: Wire us Your Banking Information Today!
#13
Announcements - Beginner's World #2 / AIRTRAN ACCELERATES FLEET MOD...
Last post by trambo - September 10, 2026, 10:58:50 PMCarrier launches new service to Bangkok, upgrades Sydney and Tokyo routes with 787s, expands Honolulu hub with new West Coast MAX 8 flights and a new 787 order, and announces comprehensive revitalization and Hushkit program for its iconic MD-83 fleet.
ATLANTA, GA — AirTran Airways today announced a series of major milestones in its ongoing fleet modernization and global expansion strategy. The airline has officially taken delivery of three new Boeing 787-8 Dreamliners and its first two Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft. Furthermore, fueled by strong demand and operational success, the carrier has exercised its right to add seven additional Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft to its growing order book, and officially ordered a fourth Boeing 787-800, ushering in a new era of efficiency and passenger comfort for its international, domestic, and Hawaiian networks.
Expanding the Pacific Hub with Boeing 787s
To support its rapidly growing trans-Pacific network, AirTran has integrated three Boeing 787-8 aircraft into its widebody fleet, officially replacing two older Boeing 767-200s. The advanced Dreamliners are now flying the airline's premier routes from its Honolulu hub to Sydney, Australia (SYD) and Tokyo Narita (NRT), offering passengers significantly upgraded cabin experiences and reduced travel fatigue.
Driven by the immediate success of this widebody upgrade, AirTran Airways is excited to announce it has also placed a firm order for a fourth Boeing 787-800. This additional aircraft will be dedicated exclusively to the Honolulu hub, providing the necessary capacity for further expansion deep into the Asia-Pacific market.
Furthermore, leveraging the superior range and efficiency of its growing Dreamliner fleet, AirTran Airways is thrilled to announce the launch of brand-new, direct service to Bangkok-Suvarnabhumi {VTBS} in Thailand. Tickets for this new Southeast Asian gateway are on sale now.
The Boeing 737 MAX 8 Enters Domestic Service and Hawaii Fleet Grows
Simultaneously, AirTran Airways is proud to announce that the first two of its originally ordered 20 Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft have officially entered domestic service. These next-generation narrowbody jets have seamlessly taken over active routes previously operated by two of the airline's McDonnell Douglas MD-83s, providing immediate improvements in fuel efficiency, operational reliability, and cabin quietness.
Signaling immense confidence in the aircraft, AirTran has exercised options to order seven additional Boeing 737 MAX 8s. Crucially, two of these newly ordered MAX 8s will be strategically assigned to the airline's Honolulu hub. Utilizing the aircraft's extended-range capabilities over water, these two planes will inaugurate brand-new routes connecting Hawaii directly to the US mainland West Coast, providing travelers with more flexible, low-fare options between the islands and the mainland.
Preserving the Legacy: MD-83 Revitalization and Chapter 4 Hushkits
While the 737 MAX 8 will become the new backbone of the domestic fleet, AirTran remains deeply committed to the aircraft that built the airline. The two MD-83s relieved by the new MAX 8s have not been retired. Instead, they have been routed into a major heavy maintenance program.
During this overhaul, these aircraft will be restored to "like-new" mechanical condition. Crucially, they are also being retrofitted with advanced Chapter 4 Hushkits, bringing them into compliance with the latest, most stringent noise reduction standards. Following the mechanical upgrades and a complete interior cabin refresh, these revitalized MD-83s will be placed back into active service sporting a fresh new look, ensuring the flying legacy of the "Mad Dog" continues for years to come.
"Today is a landmark day for AirTran Airways as we take delivery of both our first 737 MAX 8s and our new 787 Dreamliners," said the Chief Executive Officer of AirTran Airways. "We are dramatically enhancing our Pacific network with flights to Sydney, Tokyo, and now Bangkok, and reinforcing that commitment by ordering a fourth 787-800 for our Honolulu hub. At the same time, we are modernizing our domestic footprint and expanding our Hawaiian operations with our new order for seven additional MAX 8s, two of which will connect Honolulu to the West Coast. But perhaps most uniquely, we are investing heavily in our beloved MD-83 fleet. By adding Chapter 4 Hushkits and giving them a bumper-to-bumper overhaul, we are proving that you can embrace the future of aviation while proudly preserving the heritage of the past."
Passengers can book flights on the new Boeing 787 and 737 MAX 8 aircraft, including the new routes to Bangkok-Suvarnabhumi {VTBS} and the upcoming West Coast connections, by visiting the AirTran Airways website or contacting their authorized travel agent.
About AirTran Airways
Headquartered at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, AirTran Airways is a rapidly expanding commercial airline dedicated to providing safe, reliable, and high-value passenger air transportation. Operating a diverse fleet that includes the Airbus A380, Boeing 787, Boeing 737 MAX 8, and a revitalized McDonnell Douglas MD-83 fleet, AirTran connects travelers to major domestic business centers, premier vacation destinations, and critical global gateways across Europe and the Asia-Pacific region.
ATLANTA, GA — AirTran Airways today announced a series of major milestones in its ongoing fleet modernization and global expansion strategy. The airline has officially taken delivery of three new Boeing 787-8 Dreamliners and its first two Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft. Furthermore, fueled by strong demand and operational success, the carrier has exercised its right to add seven additional Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft to its growing order book, and officially ordered a fourth Boeing 787-800, ushering in a new era of efficiency and passenger comfort for its international, domestic, and Hawaiian networks.
Expanding the Pacific Hub with Boeing 787s
To support its rapidly growing trans-Pacific network, AirTran has integrated three Boeing 787-8 aircraft into its widebody fleet, officially replacing two older Boeing 767-200s. The advanced Dreamliners are now flying the airline's premier routes from its Honolulu hub to Sydney, Australia (SYD) and Tokyo Narita (NRT), offering passengers significantly upgraded cabin experiences and reduced travel fatigue.
Driven by the immediate success of this widebody upgrade, AirTran Airways is excited to announce it has also placed a firm order for a fourth Boeing 787-800. This additional aircraft will be dedicated exclusively to the Honolulu hub, providing the necessary capacity for further expansion deep into the Asia-Pacific market.
Furthermore, leveraging the superior range and efficiency of its growing Dreamliner fleet, AirTran Airways is thrilled to announce the launch of brand-new, direct service to Bangkok-Suvarnabhumi {VTBS} in Thailand. Tickets for this new Southeast Asian gateway are on sale now.
The Boeing 737 MAX 8 Enters Domestic Service and Hawaii Fleet Grows
Simultaneously, AirTran Airways is proud to announce that the first two of its originally ordered 20 Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft have officially entered domestic service. These next-generation narrowbody jets have seamlessly taken over active routes previously operated by two of the airline's McDonnell Douglas MD-83s, providing immediate improvements in fuel efficiency, operational reliability, and cabin quietness.
Signaling immense confidence in the aircraft, AirTran has exercised options to order seven additional Boeing 737 MAX 8s. Crucially, two of these newly ordered MAX 8s will be strategically assigned to the airline's Honolulu hub. Utilizing the aircraft's extended-range capabilities over water, these two planes will inaugurate brand-new routes connecting Hawaii directly to the US mainland West Coast, providing travelers with more flexible, low-fare options between the islands and the mainland.
Preserving the Legacy: MD-83 Revitalization and Chapter 4 Hushkits
While the 737 MAX 8 will become the new backbone of the domestic fleet, AirTran remains deeply committed to the aircraft that built the airline. The two MD-83s relieved by the new MAX 8s have not been retired. Instead, they have been routed into a major heavy maintenance program.
During this overhaul, these aircraft will be restored to "like-new" mechanical condition. Crucially, they are also being retrofitted with advanced Chapter 4 Hushkits, bringing them into compliance with the latest, most stringent noise reduction standards. Following the mechanical upgrades and a complete interior cabin refresh, these revitalized MD-83s will be placed back into active service sporting a fresh new look, ensuring the flying legacy of the "Mad Dog" continues for years to come.
"Today is a landmark day for AirTran Airways as we take delivery of both our first 737 MAX 8s and our new 787 Dreamliners," said the Chief Executive Officer of AirTran Airways. "We are dramatically enhancing our Pacific network with flights to Sydney, Tokyo, and now Bangkok, and reinforcing that commitment by ordering a fourth 787-800 for our Honolulu hub. At the same time, we are modernizing our domestic footprint and expanding our Hawaiian operations with our new order for seven additional MAX 8s, two of which will connect Honolulu to the West Coast. But perhaps most uniquely, we are investing heavily in our beloved MD-83 fleet. By adding Chapter 4 Hushkits and giving them a bumper-to-bumper overhaul, we are proving that you can embrace the future of aviation while proudly preserving the heritage of the past."
Passengers can book flights on the new Boeing 787 and 737 MAX 8 aircraft, including the new routes to Bangkok-Suvarnabhumi {VTBS} and the upcoming West Coast connections, by visiting the AirTran Airways website or contacting their authorized travel agent.
About AirTran Airways
Headquartered at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, AirTran Airways is a rapidly expanding commercial airline dedicated to providing safe, reliable, and high-value passenger air transportation. Operating a diverse fleet that includes the Airbus A380, Boeing 787, Boeing 737 MAX 8, and a revitalized McDonnell Douglas MD-83 fleet, AirTran connects travelers to major domestic business centers, premier vacation destinations, and critical global gateways across Europe and the Asia-Pacific region.
#14
Game discussion - Airline Generations / Re: payload/range chart DC-4F
Last post by Tiberius - September 10, 2026, 06:14:29 PMA calculator would be cool and would help greatly. I usually just estimate (ie 4000kg cargo or x pax at about 1000nm in a chart), then when opening a route check out what it calculates. Then double check after it is scheduled.
#15
Game discussion - Airline Generations / Re: payload/range chart DC-4F
Last post by KingAirways - September 10, 2026, 05:43:36 PMI'd like to have a calculator. I don't think the sheet is sufficient in basing important decisions on it, as it's quite unreliable in my opinion.
#16
Game discussion - Airline Generations / Re: payload/range chart DC-4F
Last post by Tiberius - September 10, 2026, 02:08:16 PMLooks like I can get one if a conversion is being sold, or if its in my fleet. I bought one in the other world and converted it. I wonder if, in a future update, we could get that chart linked into the aircraft history and manufacture data page for the specific aircraft.
#17
Announcements - The Age of Flight / THE SUPERSONIC BOBER HAS CHEWE...
Last post by jason8612 - September 10, 2026, 02:40:30 AMBuenos Aires, Argentina — After nearly seven years of Mach 2, 67-seat cabins, Argentine steak at 60,000 feet, wooden chewing straws, and fuel bills that Accounting has kept in a locked drawer, Bober 6-7 announces the final retirement of its Concorde.
The Supersonic Bober has completed its final commercial flight.
Yes.
This time it is actually retiring.
The story began on New Year's Eve 2005, when Bober management reviewed ten years of carefully accumulated savings and considered the sensible options:
New aircraft.
Fleet modernization.
Financial security.
Instead, we pulled a Concorde out of storage.
Because Bober is life.
After C and D checks, a completely sensible 67-seat configuration, and the disappearance of most of the company cash reserves, the aircraft returned to service in 2006.
It went on to carry Bober to New York, Los Angeles, Caracas, Bogotá, Quito, Lima and beyond — including several routes from its earlier Bober life.
For years, the 67xx flights did exactly what management promised:
Fly very fast.
Burn enormous quantities of fuel.
Serve steak and Malbec.
Confuse accountants.
And chew at the world at supersonic speed.
The aircraft has now reached the point where age, maintenance, economics, and aviation regulations have finally produced the same answer:
Enough Bober.
Our friends at Executive Express wisely reached this conclusion several years ago.
Bober required approximately 6.7 years of additional research.
The Concorde leaves behind a very different Bober 6-7 from the airline that brought it out of storage.
The old Fairchild Metros are gone. Dash-8s now handle regional flying, while the Boeing 757-200 fleet will gradually begin giving way to the new Tupolev Tu-204-300.
Because naturally, after retiring one expensive aircraft, Bober management immediately found another interesting airplane.
The future may be subsonic.
It will not be boring.
Before the final departure, management gathered around the Concorde one last time.
The pilots saluted it.
The mechanics inspected it.
The passengers photographed it.
Accounting stood at a safe distance.
Then the aircraft departed for one final supersonic Bober flight.
After landing back at EZE, the Olympus engines were shut down for the last time.
Accounting immediately reported a measurable improvement in company finances.
Management gave the Concorde the only farewell considered appropriate:
"6-7."
Thank you to every passenger, pilot, mechanic, dispatcher and travel agent who participated in one of the least financially sensible chapters in Bober history.
The Supersonic Bober may be retired.
Bober is not.
The Supersonic Bober has completed its final commercial flight.
Yes.
This time it is actually retiring.
The story began on New Year's Eve 2005, when Bober management reviewed ten years of carefully accumulated savings and considered the sensible options:
New aircraft.
Fleet modernization.
Financial security.
Instead, we pulled a Concorde out of storage.
Because Bober is life.
After C and D checks, a completely sensible 67-seat configuration, and the disappearance of most of the company cash reserves, the aircraft returned to service in 2006.
It went on to carry Bober to New York, Los Angeles, Caracas, Bogotá, Quito, Lima and beyond — including several routes from its earlier Bober life.
For years, the 67xx flights did exactly what management promised:
Fly very fast.
Burn enormous quantities of fuel.
Serve steak and Malbec.
Confuse accountants.
And chew at the world at supersonic speed.
The aircraft has now reached the point where age, maintenance, economics, and aviation regulations have finally produced the same answer:
Enough Bober.
Our friends at Executive Express wisely reached this conclusion several years ago.
Bober required approximately 6.7 years of additional research.
The Concorde leaves behind a very different Bober 6-7 from the airline that brought it out of storage.
The old Fairchild Metros are gone. Dash-8s now handle regional flying, while the Boeing 757-200 fleet will gradually begin giving way to the new Tupolev Tu-204-300.
Because naturally, after retiring one expensive aircraft, Bober management immediately found another interesting airplane.
The future may be subsonic.
It will not be boring.
Before the final departure, management gathered around the Concorde one last time.
The pilots saluted it.
The mechanics inspected it.
The passengers photographed it.
Accounting stood at a safe distance.
Then the aircraft departed for one final supersonic Bober flight.
After landing back at EZE, the Olympus engines were shut down for the last time.
Accounting immediately reported a measurable improvement in company finances.
Management gave the Concorde the only farewell considered appropriate:
"6-7."
Thank you to every passenger, pilot, mechanic, dispatcher and travel agent who participated in one of the least financially sensible chapters in Bober history.
The Supersonic Bober may be retired.
Bober is not.
BOBER 6-7: Mach 2 is gone. 6-7 is forever.
#18
Game discussion - Airline Generations / payload/range chart DC-4F
Last post by Tiberius - September 09, 2026, 11:48:02 AMI can't seem to find the payload/range chart for the DC-4F. How can I look at that? Can I look at that for conversion aircraft? Thanks!
#19
Announcements - Beginner's World #2 / AIRTRAN AIRWAYS DOUBLES DOWN ...
Last post by trambo - September 08, 2026, 01:51:14 AMCarrier's total MAX 8 order grows to 20 aircraft for a complete domestic fleet modernization, while new Dreamliners featuring "AirTran One" suites will bridge the Pacific.
�ATLANTA, GA — AirTran Airways is thrilled to announce a massive expansion of its fleet modernization and global growth strategy. Underscoring its profound confidence in the next generation of aviation, the airline has placed a second firm order with Boeing for 10 additional 737 MAX 8 aircraft, bringing its total MAX 8 order book to 20. Concurrently, AirTran has placed a firm order for three Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners to aggressively expand its Honolulu hub into the Asian market.
�AirTran Airways leadership emphasized their steadfast belief in the Boeing 737 MAX 8's performance, efficiency, and passenger experience. With a total of 20 MAX 8s now on order, the airline will transition its entire domestic haul to the state-of-the-art MAX 8 aircraft. This significant capacity increase will not only modernize the current domestic network but also allow AirTran to introduce several highly anticipated new destinations from its headquarters at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL).
�In addition to its domestic transformation, AirTran is setting its sights on the Pacific. The acquisition of three Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners will serve as the catalyst for expanding the airline's burgeoning hub in Honolulu, Hawaii. These ultra-efficient, long-range widebody aircraft will enable AirTran to launch new, direct routes from Honolulu deep into Asia.
�To ensure continuity of the carrier's premium global brand, the new Boeing 787-9s will be outfitted with the luxurious AirTran One suites, which recently debuted to rave reviews on the airline's Airbus A380 transatlantic flights. Passengers flying across the Pacific will be able to enjoy the ultimate in privacy and comfort in the exclusive First Class full-layback suites and Premium Business suites.
�"Our belief in the Boeing 737 MAX 8 is absolute, and doubling our order to 20 aircraft ensures that our entire domestic network will soon be flown on the most efficient and comfortable narrowbody planes in the sky," said the Chief Executive Officer of AirTran Airways. "Furthermore, our order for three Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners marks a pivotal moment for our Honolulu operations. By bringing our acclaimed AirTran One suites to the Dreamliner, we are perfectly positioned to connect Hawaii with major destinations across Asia in unparalleled luxury. The future of AirTran is incredibly bright, both at home and abroad."
�AirTran Airways is currently finalizing the schedule for its Pacific expansion, and passengers can look forward to official announcements regarding new routes into Asia coming very soon.
�About AirTran Airways
Headquartered at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, AirTran Airways is a rapidly expanding commercial airline dedicated to providing safe, reliable, and high-value passenger air transportation. With a diverse and growing fleet that includes the Airbus A380, the forthcoming Boeing 737 MAX 8, and the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, AirTran connects travelers to major domestic business centers, premier vacation destinations, and critical global gateways across Europe and the Pacific.
�Media Contact:
Corporate Communications Department
AirTran Airways
Email: media@airtran.com
Phone: (555) 019-8472
�ATLANTA, GA — AirTran Airways is thrilled to announce a massive expansion of its fleet modernization and global growth strategy. Underscoring its profound confidence in the next generation of aviation, the airline has placed a second firm order with Boeing for 10 additional 737 MAX 8 aircraft, bringing its total MAX 8 order book to 20. Concurrently, AirTran has placed a firm order for three Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners to aggressively expand its Honolulu hub into the Asian market.
�AirTran Airways leadership emphasized their steadfast belief in the Boeing 737 MAX 8's performance, efficiency, and passenger experience. With a total of 20 MAX 8s now on order, the airline will transition its entire domestic haul to the state-of-the-art MAX 8 aircraft. This significant capacity increase will not only modernize the current domestic network but also allow AirTran to introduce several highly anticipated new destinations from its headquarters at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL).
�In addition to its domestic transformation, AirTran is setting its sights on the Pacific. The acquisition of three Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners will serve as the catalyst for expanding the airline's burgeoning hub in Honolulu, Hawaii. These ultra-efficient, long-range widebody aircraft will enable AirTran to launch new, direct routes from Honolulu deep into Asia.
�To ensure continuity of the carrier's premium global brand, the new Boeing 787-9s will be outfitted with the luxurious AirTran One suites, which recently debuted to rave reviews on the airline's Airbus A380 transatlantic flights. Passengers flying across the Pacific will be able to enjoy the ultimate in privacy and comfort in the exclusive First Class full-layback suites and Premium Business suites.
�"Our belief in the Boeing 737 MAX 8 is absolute, and doubling our order to 20 aircraft ensures that our entire domestic network will soon be flown on the most efficient and comfortable narrowbody planes in the sky," said the Chief Executive Officer of AirTran Airways. "Furthermore, our order for three Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners marks a pivotal moment for our Honolulu operations. By bringing our acclaimed AirTran One suites to the Dreamliner, we are perfectly positioned to connect Hawaii with major destinations across Asia in unparalleled luxury. The future of AirTran is incredibly bright, both at home and abroad."
�AirTran Airways is currently finalizing the schedule for its Pacific expansion, and passengers can look forward to official announcements regarding new routes into Asia coming very soon.
�About AirTran Airways
Headquartered at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, AirTran Airways is a rapidly expanding commercial airline dedicated to providing safe, reliable, and high-value passenger air transportation. With a diverse and growing fleet that includes the Airbus A380, the forthcoming Boeing 737 MAX 8, and the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, AirTran connects travelers to major domestic business centers, premier vacation destinations, and critical global gateways across Europe and the Pacific.
�Media Contact:
Corporate Communications Department
AirTran Airways
Email: media@airtran.com
Phone: (555) 019-8472
#20
Announcements - The Age of Flight / AusConnect Celebrates 40 Years...
Last post by dylan08p - September 07, 2026, 08:21:14 PM**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**
AusConnect
Connecting Australia
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
# AusConnect Celebrates 40 Years of Connecting Australia
Melbourne, Australia — AusConnect is proud to celebrate 40 years of operation, marking four decades of growth, innovation, and commitment to connecting Australians across the country and around the world.
Founded in Melbourne, AusConnect began operations with a fleet of NAMC YS-11-500 aircraft, serving regional communities and building the foundations of what would become one of Australia's most important airline networks. As demand grew, the airline expanded with the acquisition of Boeing 737-200 Advanced aircraft, allowing AusConnect to increase capacity and strengthen services between key Australian cities.
In the 1990s, AusConnect entered a new era with the introduction of its first Airbus A320, a major milestone that helped reshape the airline's domestic network and support continued growth across Australia.
Today, AusConnect operates one of the country's most diverse fleets, supporting regional, domestic, and long-haul international flying. The airline's current fleet includes:
* 21 Airbus A319-100 aircraft
* 56 Airbus A320-200 aircraft
* 49 Airbus A321-200 aircraft
* 8 Boeing 747-400 aircraft
* 7 Boeing 777-200 aircraft
* 34 Boeing 777-300ER aircraft
* 138 Bombardier Dash 8-Q400 aircraft
* 49 Saab 2000 aircraft
AusConnect's regional network remains at the heart of the airline. The airline has begun replacing its Saab 2000 fleet with the Bombardier Dash 8-Q400, a move that will support improved efficiency, reliability, and long-term regional growth. The remaining 49 Saab 2000 aircraft will be progressively replaced over the coming years.
The airline is also entering a new phase of domestic and regional fleet planning with the introduction of the Embraer 190AR. A total of 32 Embraer 190AR aircraft are expected to be delivered by the end of next year. These aircraft will allow AusConnect to better serve thinner domestic and regional routes, while freeing up larger Airbus A319 and A320 aircraft to be redeployed onto higher-demand services and new network opportunities.
From 2018, AusConnect will also welcome the Embraer 195-E2 to its fleet. The aircraft is expected to replace a number of thinner, longer routes currently operated by larger aircraft, taking advantage of the E195-E2's lower fuel burn and operating costs. This will allow AusConnect to improve route economics while maintaining affordable and reliable services for customers.
AusConnect's long-haul network is also undergoing significant renewal. The airline's remaining Boeing 747-400 aircraft are being progressively retired, with all aircraft expected to leave the fleet by next year. The iconic 747s will be replaced by additional Boeing 777-200 aircraft, with eight more aircraft set to join the fleet. These will operate alongside AusConnect's growing fleet of Boeing 777-300ER aircraft, strengthening the airline's ability to connect Australia with major destinations around the world.
From the end of 2019, AusConnect will begin receiving its first Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft, with 70 aircraft on order. The arrival of the 787-9 will mark one of the most significant fleet investments in the airline's history, allowing AusConnect to substantially expand its international presence and open new long-haul routes from cities across Australia.
"This is an incredibly proud moment for everyone at AusConnect," a company spokesperson said. "For 40 years, our airline has grown with Australia. From our first regional services operated by the YS-11, to the introduction of the 737, the arrival of the A320, and now the continued expansion of our Embraer, 777 and future 787 fleets, AusConnect has always evolved to meet the needs of the communities we serve."
Based in Melbourne and operating throughout most Australian capital cities, AusConnect has grown from a regional airline into a major national and international carrier. Its mission remains clear: to connect Australians to each other, and connect Australia to the world.
Looking ahead, AusConnect will continue investing heavily in fleet renewal, route development, and aircraft right-sizing. By matching the right aircraft to the right routes, AusConnect aims to improve efficiency, support sustainable growth, and ensure Australians are able to fly where they want at affordable prices.
"Our history is something we are extremely proud of, but our focus is firmly on the future," the spokesperson added. "The next phase for AusConnect is about modernising our fleet, expanding our international reach, and continuing to provide reliable and affordable air services for regional communities and major cities across Australia."
As AusConnect celebrates 40 years in operation, the airline thanks its customers, employees, partners, and communities for their support over the past four decades.
About AusConnect
AusConnect is a Melbourne-based airline and one of Australia's leading regional, domestic, and international carriers. Operating throughout regional Australia, most Australian capital cities, and a growing global network, AusConnect is committed to connecting Australians to each other and to the world.
AusConnect
Connecting Australia
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
# AusConnect Celebrates 40 Years of Connecting Australia
Melbourne, Australia — AusConnect is proud to celebrate 40 years of operation, marking four decades of growth, innovation, and commitment to connecting Australians across the country and around the world.
Founded in Melbourne, AusConnect began operations with a fleet of NAMC YS-11-500 aircraft, serving regional communities and building the foundations of what would become one of Australia's most important airline networks. As demand grew, the airline expanded with the acquisition of Boeing 737-200 Advanced aircraft, allowing AusConnect to increase capacity and strengthen services between key Australian cities.
In the 1990s, AusConnect entered a new era with the introduction of its first Airbus A320, a major milestone that helped reshape the airline's domestic network and support continued growth across Australia.
Today, AusConnect operates one of the country's most diverse fleets, supporting regional, domestic, and long-haul international flying. The airline's current fleet includes:
* 21 Airbus A319-100 aircraft
* 56 Airbus A320-200 aircraft
* 49 Airbus A321-200 aircraft
* 8 Boeing 747-400 aircraft
* 7 Boeing 777-200 aircraft
* 34 Boeing 777-300ER aircraft
* 138 Bombardier Dash 8-Q400 aircraft
* 49 Saab 2000 aircraft
AusConnect's regional network remains at the heart of the airline. The airline has begun replacing its Saab 2000 fleet with the Bombardier Dash 8-Q400, a move that will support improved efficiency, reliability, and long-term regional growth. The remaining 49 Saab 2000 aircraft will be progressively replaced over the coming years.
The airline is also entering a new phase of domestic and regional fleet planning with the introduction of the Embraer 190AR. A total of 32 Embraer 190AR aircraft are expected to be delivered by the end of next year. These aircraft will allow AusConnect to better serve thinner domestic and regional routes, while freeing up larger Airbus A319 and A320 aircraft to be redeployed onto higher-demand services and new network opportunities.
From 2018, AusConnect will also welcome the Embraer 195-E2 to its fleet. The aircraft is expected to replace a number of thinner, longer routes currently operated by larger aircraft, taking advantage of the E195-E2's lower fuel burn and operating costs. This will allow AusConnect to improve route economics while maintaining affordable and reliable services for customers.
AusConnect's long-haul network is also undergoing significant renewal. The airline's remaining Boeing 747-400 aircraft are being progressively retired, with all aircraft expected to leave the fleet by next year. The iconic 747s will be replaced by additional Boeing 777-200 aircraft, with eight more aircraft set to join the fleet. These will operate alongside AusConnect's growing fleet of Boeing 777-300ER aircraft, strengthening the airline's ability to connect Australia with major destinations around the world.
From the end of 2019, AusConnect will begin receiving its first Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft, with 70 aircraft on order. The arrival of the 787-9 will mark one of the most significant fleet investments in the airline's history, allowing AusConnect to substantially expand its international presence and open new long-haul routes from cities across Australia.
"This is an incredibly proud moment for everyone at AusConnect," a company spokesperson said. "For 40 years, our airline has grown with Australia. From our first regional services operated by the YS-11, to the introduction of the 737, the arrival of the A320, and now the continued expansion of our Embraer, 777 and future 787 fleets, AusConnect has always evolved to meet the needs of the communities we serve."
Based in Melbourne and operating throughout most Australian capital cities, AusConnect has grown from a regional airline into a major national and international carrier. Its mission remains clear: to connect Australians to each other, and connect Australia to the world.
Looking ahead, AusConnect will continue investing heavily in fleet renewal, route development, and aircraft right-sizing. By matching the right aircraft to the right routes, AusConnect aims to improve efficiency, support sustainable growth, and ensure Australians are able to fly where they want at affordable prices.
"Our history is something we are extremely proud of, but our focus is firmly on the future," the spokesperson added. "The next phase for AusConnect is about modernising our fleet, expanding our international reach, and continuing to provide reliable and affordable air services for regional communities and major cities across Australia."
As AusConnect celebrates 40 years in operation, the airline thanks its customers, employees, partners, and communities for their support over the past four decades.
About AusConnect
AusConnect is a Melbourne-based airline and one of Australia's leading regional, domestic, and international carriers. Operating throughout regional Australia, most Australian capital cities, and a growing global network, AusConnect is committed to connecting Australians to each other and to the world.