QantasLink today gave Mackay a preview of the new Bombardier Q4-00 72 seater turboprop aircraft, which is set to join the airline's regional fleet from early next year.

Qantas executive general manager regional airlines Narendra Kumar gives Mackay Airport general manager Trevor Heard a close up look at the controls of the new Bombardier Q400.

At a function at Mackay Domestic Airport for corporate guests and media today, Qantas Executive General Manager Regional Airlines, Narendra Kumar, said QantasLink would be the first airline in the Southern Hemispher eto fly the Q400.

"This investment marks a new era in regional air travel, with the Bombardier Q400 featuring improved passenger comfort, jet-like speed and lower operating costs,"  Mr Kumar said.

"The Bombardier Q400 also delivers a 44 per cent increase in capacity over QantasLink's existinhg fleet of 50-seat Dash 8-Q300s, as well as offering improved operational efficiency.

"The Q400 can fly at 360 knots, which allows us to reduce flight times and potentially operate additional frequencies on some sectors."

QantasLink will acquire seven of the new Bombardier Q400 aircraft, and has options and purchase rights over an additional 10.

Mr Kumar said the seven new aircraft would cost about A$200million, the largest single investment Qantas had ever made in its regional turboprop fleet.

Last year, the airline acquired seven new Dash 8-Q300 aircraft for more than A$100  million.

QantasLink offers more than 2000 flights each week, serving 50 destinations throughout Australia and employing more than1,000 people.

Today, QantasLink provides mnore than 30 services each week between Mackay and Brisbane, Rockhampton, Gladstone and Cairns.

Mackay Airport general manager Trevor Heard hoped the aircraft would be used to service coastal routes via Mackay.

"Hopefully an increase in seating capacity will enable Qantaslink to offer travellers additional low-cost fares on services to Cairns, Townsville, Rockhampton and Brisbane," he said.