Qantas regional carrier Sunstate Airlines has taken delivery of a new Dash-8 Q300 series aircraft, the first of its kind to operate in Australia.

The 50-seat aircraft from the Bombardier plant in Canada, will operate existing twice daily services between Cairns and Horn Island, existing weekday services between Townsville and Cairns and Cairns-Hamilton Island services on Saturdays.

Sunstate Airlines General Manager, Ashley Kilroy, said the aircraft was valued at more than $A17 million and represented a significant investment in the region.

“It is the largest operating on the Cairns-Horn Island route and will provide a much-needed boost in seat capacity during peak periods,” Mr Kilroy said.

“This development reaffirms the Qantas group`s commitment to northern Queensland and the Torres Strait,” he added.

Mr Kilroy said the aircraft featured a hi-tech noise reduction system known as Noise Vibration Suppression (NVS), offering one of the quietest cabins of any turbo prop aircraft operating.

The introduction of the new aircraft supports Sunstate`s recently expanded frequency and capacity between Townsville and Cairns and the new Cairns-Hamilton Island services which are now operating daily.

Mr Kilroy said the Dash-8 Q300 series aircraft also featured cabin service by two flight attendants and brought Sunstate Airline`s fleet to a total of seven Dash-8 aircraft.

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