Introduction: From Perth to Australia’s Top End
On a crisp winter morning in Perth, we embarked on an exciting journey to Darwin, Australia’s tropical Top End, aboard QantasLink flight QF740. The sun was out, the air cold, but anticipation was high as we prepared to swap Perth’s winter chill for the warmer climate of the Northern Territory. Today’s flight would be on a QantasLink Airbus A319, one of the former Spirit Airlines aircraft now operating in Western Australia under QantasLink’s regional and interstate services.
The transition from an A320 to an A319 on this route has been recent, reflecting QantasLink’s strategy of deploying these smaller jets to longer interstate flights, in addition to their usual network aviation routes servicing mine sites across Western Australia. This would mark my first experience on a longer A319 journey in 2026, and I was eager to see how it would compare.
Perth Airport: Terminals, Check-In, and Security
Our journey began at Perth Airport’s Terminal 4, which, alongside Terminal 3, is home to almost all QantasLink, Qantas, and Airnorth services out of Perth. Terminal 3 primarily handles Qantas international departures, while Terminal 4 covers domestic flights, including those to Darwin.
Check-in was efficient, mostly a self-service process. However, QantasLink’s system currently requires passengers to check in via their phones, meaning physical boarding passes are not printed at the kiosks. Bags are then dropped off using the self-service conveyor system, making for a seamless but slightly impersonal process.
Security at Terminal 4 was remarkably quick. Without the usual FIFO traffic that dominates weekdays, we passed through in moments, benefiting from the latest CT scanners that allow most travelers to leave belongings in their bags. While I did not have access to a Qantas Club pass for this flight, those with one would enjoy even smoother access.
Once cleared, the walk to Gate 16 took us past parts of Terminal 3, which hosts Qantas international flights. Boarding was called early, and despite obstructed views of the aircraft from the gate, we were ready for departure without delay.
Aircraft Overview: The Airbus A319
The aircraft waiting at Gate 16, registered as Victor Hotel 8 November Cubet, has an interesting history. Delivered in May 2005 to Spirit Airlines in the U.S., it joined Network Aviation and subsequently QantasLink in April 2024. Now, at 21 years old, it primarily serves regional and interstate flights across Western Australia but is increasingly deployed on routes to Darwin, Newcastle, and Hobart.
Onboard, the A319 features a single-class, all-economy layout with 150 seats. Seating is standard with 29–30 inches of pitch, similar to the Ricaro lever design found on Jetstar’s A320s. The lack of extra legroom or enhanced recline is noticeable, especially for a full-service airline like QantasLink. Overhead storage is limited for larger bags, requiring some items to be stowed in the cabin front.
The seatback includes a full tray table and essential flight literature such as the magazine and safety card, but there are no additional amenities. Devices are permitted in flight mode during takeoff, with larger electronics stowed until cruising altitude.
Departure and In-Flight Experience
We pushed back from the gate a few minutes early, enjoying one of the fastest departures I have experienced at Perth Airport. Takeoff from Runway 24 was smooth, and soon we were climbing to a cruising altitude of 37,000 feet.
Unfortunately, unlike the Boeing 737-800, this Airbus A319 does not feature onboard Wi-Fi for general internet browsing. However, a streaming service to personal devices was available, offering a good selection of movies, TV shows, documentaries, and even a kid zone. While the range is adequate, my preference for documentaries meant I ended up watching content I had pre-downloaded. The inflight moving map provides basic flight information but limited additional data.
Meal Service: Breakfast Meets Lunch
Given the 9:00 a.m. departure, meal service fell between breakfast and lunch. Surprisingly, QantasLink served a full meal accompanied by a complete beverage selection, including alcoholic options. I chose chicken in creamy mushroom sauce with roasted potatoes, which arrived hot and in generous portions. The meal was enjoyable, and although the accompanying white wine was not my preferred style, it was a welcome addition.
The crew later offered ice cream, in this case, Golden Gaytime bars, which added a nostalgic and pleasant finishing touch to the meal service. I also requested a Stone & Wood Pacific Ale later in the flight. While enjoyable, it was not my personal preference, though it reflects QantasLink’s growing focus on craft beers for domestic flights.
Cabin Crew and Service
Throughout the flight, the cabin crew were attentive, friendly, and professional. Service was timely, and their engagement with passengers helped compensate for some of the aircraft’s shortcomings, such as the more basic seating and limited inflight entertainment options. Their professionalism ensured the flight felt comfortable, even on a three-and-a-half-hour journey across Western Australia’s vast interior.
Scenic Highlights: Crossing Western Australia
The flight path offered breathtaking views as we traversed the rugged deserts of Western Australia, the Kimberley region, and finally the tropical expanse of the Northern Territory. The approach to Darwin provided a spectacular perspective over the Joseph Bonaparte Gulf and the Timor Sea. These views made the otherwise standard Airbus A319 cabin feel much more immersive and enjoyable.
Arrival in Darwin
We landed approximately 15 minutes ahead of schedule, touching down in the sunny 31°C warmth of Darwin. Arrival was smooth, and we quickly proceeded through the airport to continue our journey in Australia’s Top End. Darwin, with its combination of tropical climate and coastal scenery, made for a welcoming contrast to Perth’s winter.
Final Thoughts and Verdict
In summary, QantasLink flight QF740 aboard the Airbus A319 from Perth to Darwin was a solid experience. The aircraft itself, while functional, does show its age and is more akin to a budget carrier’s seating than a full-service airline’s standard. The lack of Wi-Fi for browsing and limited seat comfort are minor drawbacks on a longer sector.
However, these shortcomings are largely offset by punctuality, excellent cabin crew service, and a strong onboard meal offering. For the price paid, approximately AUD 465, this flight represents fair value on a domestic interstate sector, offering reliability and consistent service without surprises.
The journey from Perth to Darwin is scenic and memorable, and despite the aircraft’s limitations, the overall experience remains highly positive. For travelers seeking a straightforward, comfortable, and efficient flight to Australia’s Northern Territory, QantasLink’s A319 service delivers effectively.
Disclaimer: This article has been repurposed from the original transcript of my own flight review on the Aussie JetSetter Youtube channel with the assistance of AI technologies. Please be advised whilst I have taken the utmost care to review and revise this article where necessary to reflect the upmost of accuracy at time of publication please be advised my reviews whether written or in video form are for entertainment and general information purposes only. They reflect the objective views in good faith of the person only whom is presenting them unless otherwise noted. Any decisions you make resulting from consuming my content must take into consideration your own circumstances, research and responsibility as I can not be hold responsible for any inaccuracies or future changes effecting the relativity of such reviews. All Rights Reserved by Aussie JetSetter from 2022 >
