Qantas Retires Its Boeing 717s After Decades of Service

For over two decades, the Boeing 717 has been a cornerstone of QantasLink’s operations, connecting regional hubs, capital cities, and resource-rich areas of Australia.

Its retirement marks the end of an era, as the airline transitions to a newer, more fuel-efficient fleet to meet modern aviation demands.

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The final Boeing 717 in QantasLink’s fleet, an 18-year-old aircraft registered as VH-YQW, quietly completed its last flight on Monday, landing in Brisbane. This aircraft, which had been operating between Canberra and Melbourne since December 2023, is now speculated to be gifted to an aviation school, continuing its legacy in a different role.

The understated conclusion contrasts with an earlier announcement that the final service would take place on October 26, 2024, with aviation enthusiasts and influencers onboard VH-YQS to commemorate the occasion.

QantasLink’s Boeing 717 fleet has been a vital part of Australian aviation for more than 24 years, serving short to medium-haul routes with a capacity of around 100 passengers.

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The aircraft was particularly valued for its ability to operate high-frequency services and access smaller regional airports. Its versatility allowed qantas airways to fill a niche in the market, connecting communities and supporting the resource sector in Australia’s west.

VH-YQW, also named Great Otway National Park, had a remarkable service record, completing over 15,000 flights and 17,000 flight hours.

Over its nearly 11 years with QantasLink, it safely transported more than one million passengers. The aircraft will now remain grounded in Canberra before its formal retirement in November.

The Boeing 717’s departure is part of the Qantas Group’s fleet renewal program, which aims to modernize its domestic and regional network. The airline is replacing its fleet of 20 Boeing 717s with 29 Airbus A220s, which offer enhanced fuel efficiency and sustainability.

These new aircraft represent a significant step forward in Qantas’ goal of reducing emissions while delivering a superior passenger experience. Currently, four A220s have been delivered, with more to join the fleet over the coming years.

This transition signals the end of an iconic chapter in Australian aviation. QantasLink was one of the last three commercial airlines in the world to operate the Boeing 717, a testament to the aircraft’s reliability and efficiency.