The history of Queensland Regional Airlines (QRA) began in 1957 when a group of local businessmen, led by Reginald Ansett, sought to create an airline that could service the regional areas of Queensland. The airline began operations in 1958 and quickly grew to become the largest regional airline in Australia.

QRA flew a variety of aircraft over the years, from its original fleet of single engine DeHavilland Herons to the larger, twin-engine Fokker F27s and F28s. The airline also flew the Dash-8, ATR-72, and Embraer E170 regional jets.

Over the years, QRA has been involved in several incidents and federal investigations. The most notable incident occurred in 1982 when a QRA Fokker F27 crashed near Charleville, killing all 22 passengers and crew onboard. The accident was attributed to pilot error and a number of safety recommendations were made as a result.

QRA has also been involved in several federal investigations. In 2001, the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) investigated the airline over concerns of its maintenance practices. The investigation found that the airline had inadequate maintenance procedures and inadequate crew training. As a result, the airline was required to make a number of changes to its operations, including increased safety procedures and improved maintenance practices.

Throughout its history, QRA has evolved to meet the changing demands of the aviation industry. In 2008, the airline underwent a major rebranding, changing its name from Queensland Regional Airlines to QantasLink. The new name was intended to reflect the close relationship between QRA and Qantas, and to better reflect the airline’s commitment to providing a reliable and safe service.

Since then, QantasLink has continued to grow, introducing new services and expanding its fleet. In 2013, the airline launched its first international route, flying between Brisbane and Auckland. In 2017, the airline added a new fleet of Embraer E190 regional jets, allowing it to expand its network to over 60 destinations throughout Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific Islands.

QRA has also embraced new technology over the years. In 2017, the airline became the first regional airline in Australia to operate an all-digital flight deck, allowing pilots to access real-time weather data, terrain maps and other information. The airline has also introduced a mobile app for passengers, allowing them to check-in, manage their bookings, view their flight status and more.

Throughout its history, QRA has been an important part of the aviation industry in Australia. From its humble beginnings to becoming a major regional airline, the company has always strived to provide a safe and reliable service to its customers. Today, QantasLink is one of the leading regional airlines in the country, providing a safe and reliable service to passengers and destinations throughout Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific Islands.