OREANDA-NEWS. The first of QantasLink's reconfigured Boeing 717 jets, with Business Class and in-flight entertainment for all customers, has commenced operations on selected flights from Canberra.

The upgraded 110-seat jet, with a completely new interior, will be used on selected Canberra-Brisbane, Canberra-Melbourne and Canberra-Sydney flights, which will provide QantasLink customers with an enhanced jet experience.

All customers will have individual iPad technology for their in-flight entertainment. All Business customers will have iPad's while Economy customers will have iPad minis.

QantasLink Executive Manager John Gissing said customers travelling on the the upgraded Boeing 717 jet will be offered an exceptional on-board experience.

“These upgraded Boeing 717s will have superior seats, in-flight entertainment for all customers and premium food and drinks,” Mr Gissing said.

“The brand new look and feel of the interior of the aircraft is market-leading and is already proving very popular, particularly our corporate and government customers.

“The new luxury leather seats in Business class are wider, with better recline and bigger pitch, making the experience more comfortable and enjoyable. The Economy cabin has been fitted with new high-comfort quilted seats with more generous cushioning.

“The continued investment in our fleet and product shows the commitment we have to continually enhancing our customers' in-flight experience.

“Our lounges, frequency of flights, extensive network, on time performance, and frequent flyer program have seen us maintain our status as best for business and premium travellers.

QantasLink recently announced it would be upgrading five of its 717 aircraft to include business class. The remaining four B717 aircraft will be progressively introduced to the fleet over the coming months.

Qantas and QantasLink operate over 500 flights a week from Canberra to Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide - more than any other airline.

The B717 line maintenance will be conducted by QantasLink in Canberra. The upgraded aircraft will be operated by our B717 specialists Cobham.