QF1501 (ML-HB) canceled this morning and replace with Jetstart charter.

QF1501 (ML-HB) canceled this morning and replace with Jetstart charter. Has anyone got any insights or ideas why

I think it was due to a shortage of aircraft

VH-YQT a Qantas 717 has been out of service since the 21st of April which messed up some timetables meaning aircraft weren't where they should be and that should be fixed as it's back up and running (yesterday's flights were the first ones). Poor old Hobart has missed out as they just did not have a QF Link aircraft ready for the morning flights.

They did however have a Jetstar A320 (VH-VGH) ready to operate the services which operated as JQ7301 and JQ7302. I think staff were JQ staff but QF catering was provided.

Thanks Henrus. Makes sense. I was on it and it was JQ staff and they sold the normal JQ menu. Yes sold it, not even a free coffee! It also run over a hour late, so we all got to Hobart 2hrs after QF was due. No lounge. Really really bad all round. Understand operational issues happen, but so many ways they could have softened the blow, but all these opportunities where missed. 

Welcome to what happens when a legacy carrier also operates a LCC. This is not unusual in the rental car space either. Increasingly, Avis seem to think it's OK to substitute Budget vehicles - the latter are usually older and more worn - that if booked through Budget would have been cheaper e.g  Camry from Budget stock when Avis Camry booked. No doubt the JQ flight would have been cheaper than QF if booked as such too.

Oh and by the way, try getting a QF seat when your JQ metal is the one out of service. Ha ha.

does happen...

I know people who have been moved to the QF SYD-HNL flight after the JQ one was canceled.