Qantas is stepping up preparations to swap out its aging Boeing 717 fleet. As previously announced, they will be replaced with Airbus A220 aircraft. The new aircraft offers a number of advantages, such as lower emissions, less noise, and a longer range.
As it prepares for the change, Qantas has started to retire its fleet of Boeing 717 jets. Two have already left the fleet, and a third is now lined up to leave.
The beginning of the end
Qantas is marking the end of the 717 era as it prepares to bid farewell to VH-NXI.
This aircraft was the first of its type to be registered and flown in Australia. Another of this aircraft’s claims to fame is that it operated Jetstar’s first flight. That flight took place almost 20 years ago and flew between Melbourne and Launceston in May 2004.
Following its stint at Jetstar, it began service for QantasLink, operating domestic and regional services.
During its time at the two airlines, it has completed more than 29,000 flights and carried more than 1.6 million customers.
The fleet renewal
As previously announced, QantasLink will be phasing out its fleet of 20 Boeing 717s. In their place, Qantas will introduce 29 fuel-efficient Airbus A220 aircraft. This is part of a fleet renewal program that will also see the current Boeing 737 fleet replaced with the A320 family.
The new A220 aircraft will begin to arrive later this year. On the other hand, there is still a wait of over a year for the 737 replacement. The first of these will be the A321XLR aircraft arriving in late 2024.