Network Aviation Ferrying in Another Airbus 319-100

Perth-based Network Aviation has received its eighth Airbus A319-100. The former Spirit Airlines aircraft registered as N516NK (msn 02704) ferried from Phoenix Sky Harbor (PHX) to Kona (KOA) on March 29, 2025, en route to Brisbane (BNE). On April 2, the aircraft is on its way to Apia (APW). It will enter into the Australian aircraft register as VH-8NW.

Network Aviation, a wholly-owned Qantas subsidiary has received eight mid-life A319-100s since the start of 2024. The aircraft will primarily operate on fly-in-fly-out routes within Western Australia but the AeroSouthPacific Qantas 1H2025 Analysis Report reveals the type also operates some scheduled passenger services between Perth (PER) and Broome (BME), Geraldton (GET), Kalgoorlie (KGI), Learmonth (LEA), Newman (ZNE), and Paraburdoo (PBO).

The A319-100s will partly replace the Fokker 100s operated by Network Aviation, which are spending increasing amounts of time on the ground as they age and incur more and more maintenance issues.

Network Aviation is still to take a final A319-100, bringing the fleet total to nine. That aircraft, also an ex-Spirit plane, N517NK (msn 02711), remains in Puerto Rico at Aguadilla (BQN). When it arrives in Australia in the coming months, it will be re-registered as VH-8NY.

Photo: Qantas