The first-ever Boeing 717 registered in Australia will depart Qantas’ fleet in June 2023. The aircraft, registration VH-NXI, operated Jetstar’s first flights between Melbourne and Launceston when the carrier was launched in May 2004.
On Sunday (May 29, 2023), Qantas announced that they will begin retiring their Boeing 717 fleet, with the first model to enter service in Australia, registration VH-NXI, to depart the carrier’s fleet in June. The storied jet operated Jetstar’s first flight between Melbourne and Launceston when the Qantas subsidiary commenced operations in May 2004. Over the past 15 years, the aircraft has also flown on domestic and regional routes with QantasLink. Overall, the aircraft has completed more than 29,000 flights, safely carrying over 1.6 million Qantas and Jetstar guests during nearly two decades of service. Eventually, all of QantasLink’s 20 Boeing 717s will be replaced by 29 fuel efficient Airbus A220s, with the first A220 scheduled for delivery later this year.
In Sunday’s announcement, Qantas Group’s CEO, Alan Joyce, said,
“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. It’s fitting that the very first 717 to be registered in this country is making way for another brand-new fleet type, the A220, which can operate double the range of the 717s opening up new domestic and short-haul international routes.
“Qantas is in the early stages of the biggest fleet renewal program in its history, with up to 299 narrowbody aircraft spread over 10-plus years as well as the A350s that will operate our Project Sunrise flights. It’s an incredibly exciting time for our employees as well as our customers as these new aircraft create more opportunities and unlock new destinations.
“We’ve already taken delivery of four new aircraft this year and we’re on track to receive another eight before the end of the year. The new aircraft we’re receiving are much more capable than the aircraft they’re replacing.
They can fly further while being much quieter and more efficient and providing a great experience for our passengers.”
Qantas’ first retiring Boeing 717, named Blue Mountains after the world-heritage listed national park in NSW, will depart Australia mid-June, just before being sold to a major North American airline. Due to the aircraft’s limited range, the journey will require eight fuel stops, including Cebu, Sapporo and Anchorage.
QantasLink Boeing 717 Taking Off - Courtesy Qantas
Source: Qantas