Nexus Airlines

Nexus Airlines launched in 2023 as a new Western Australian regional carrier, based at Perth Airport. The airline was created to serve the resource-rich regions of WA where demand for air travel outstrips supply, particularly on routes connecting Perth to mining and resource towns. With 5 Dash 8-Q400 turboprops, Nexus targets routes like Perth-Geraldton, Perth-Kalgoorlie, and Perth-Karratha -- corridors that are underserved by the existing carriers and critical for the WA resources sector.

The Q400 is a sensible choice for WA regional flying: it's fast for a turboprop (cruising at around 550 km/h), handles hot conditions well, and operates efficiently on the 1-2 hour sectors that dominate WA regional routes. Nexus is positioning itself as a full-service alternative to the budget options on these routes, with included baggage and flexible booking options. The airline is still in its early growth phase, building route coverage and passenger loyalty in a market that has historically been underserved.

The Dash 8-Q400 (also known as the De Havilland Canada Dash 8-400) is a modern turboprop carrying 74 passengers in a 2-2 all-economy configuration. The 2-2 layout means no middle seats -- every passenger gets either a window or an aisle. The Q400 is the fastest turboprop in regular service, cruising at around 550 km/h, which makes the Perth-Geraldton (about 1 hour) and Perth-Kalgoorlie (about 1 hour 15 minutes) sectors quick enough that the turboprop penalty versus a jet is minimal.

All 5 aircraft in the Nexus fleet are the same type, which simplifies operations and maintenance. The Q400 has a good safety record globally and is well-suited to the Australian regional environment. The cabin is modern by turboprop standards, with overhead bins that can handle standard carry-on bags and a pressurised cabin that's comfortable at the altitudes these flights operate. The aircraft can handle shorter runways than comparable jets, which gives Nexus flexibility to serve airports that larger aircraft can't reach.

The Nexus Q400 cabin has 74 economy seats in a 2-2 layout with approximately 31 inches of pitch. The no-middle-seat configuration is the standout feature -- every seat has direct access to either the window or the aisle. The cabin is wider than it looks from outside, and the 2-2 layout feels spacious compared to the 3-3 jets that fly some competing routes. Overhead bins are adequate for standard cabin baggage.

Service includes a light snack and beverage on most flights. There's no seatback entertainment or WiFi, which is standard for regional turboprops in Australia. The flights are short enough (1-2 hours) that entertainment isn't a major factor. Noise levels are typical for a turboprop -- noticeable but not overwhelming, and the Q400 is one of the quieter modern turboprops thanks to its six-blade propellers and active noise vibration suppression system. The crew are Perth-based and familiar with the WA regional environment.

Front rows (1-4) are the best seats on the Nexus Q400. They're furthest from the propellers (mounted at approximately rows 6-10), which means noticeably less noise. They also deplane fastest, which matters if you're connecting to a transfer at a regional airport. The 2-2 layout means all seats are window or aisle, so seat type preference is the only real decision beyond row number.

Exit row seats offer extra legroom and are worth selecting if available. Avoid rows 6-10 in the propeller zone if noise sensitivity is a concern -- the difference between row 3 and row 8 is significant on any turboprop. Rear rows (16-19) are quieter than the propeller zone but further from the exit. On a 74-seat aircraft, deplaning is quick from any position, so the noise consideration is more important than exit proximity. Window seats on the left side often give better views on approach to WA regional airports.