Qantas Announces Phasing Out of Boeing 717 by Mid 2024

Qantas, the Australian airline, has announced its plans to retire its Boeing 717 fleet by mid-2024 as it embraces a new era of more fuel-efficient aircraft. In June 2023, the airline’s third Boeing 717, registered as VH-NXI and famously named Blue Mountains after the renowned national park in New South Wales, will bid farewell to the fleet. This particular aircraft holds significance as the first of its type to be registered and operated in Australia.

Over the course of 15 years, the Blue Mountains aircraft has completed an impressive 29,000 flights, serving regional and domestic routes for QantasLink. However, Qantas has made the decision to sell the aircraft to another carrier in North America. Its journey to the new owner will take it through Cebu International Airport (CEB), Sapporo Airport (CTS), and Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (ANC).

The retirement of the Boeing 717 fleet is part of Qantas’ Project Winton fleet renewal program, which aims to replace all 20 Boeing 717s with 29 Airbus A220-300 aircraft. The Airbus A220-300 boasts several advantages, including 25% more seating capacity with 137 seats compared to the Boeing 717’s 110 seats. It also offers double the range and a remarkable 28% lower fuel burn per seat.

Qantas is eagerly awaiting the arrival of its first A220 in late 2023, while the first of 20 A321XLRs is expected to join the fleet in late 2024. To commemorate the farewell of the Boeing 717, a special ceremony was held at Sydney International Airport (SYD) on May 29, 2023. The departing aircraft was accompanied by Qantas’ latest additions, the Boeing 787 Dreamliner and the Jetstar A321neo LR, symbolizing the transition from the old to the new.

Qantas Group CEO Alan Joyce expressed his sentiments, stating, “It’s the end of an era for these Boeing 717s, which have played a crucial role in connecting Australians across our domestic and regional network for more than two decades.” Joyce further highlighted the significance of this transition, noting that the retirement of the Boeing 717 paves the way for the introduction of the A220, a brand-new fleet type with double the range, enabling Qantas to explore new domestic and short-haul international routes.