Quantcast

Qantas retires last Boeing 717 after brief return

GLOBAL INDUSTRY NEWS
Travelers are taking extreme measures and using hacks to avoid airline baggage fees
Wizz Air becomes first airline to operate P&W-powered Airbus A321XLR jet
Hawaiian Airlines’ new ‘no show’ policy may make travel more expensive
BLIMP-SE OF THE FUTURE Luxury zeppelins of the future from ‘flying bum’ world’s largest aircraft to Google billionaire’s ‘impossible’ airship
Swiss Startup SmartFlyer Develops Hybrid-Electric Trainer
San Francisco-based entrepreneur takes a trip on India's worst-rated airline, his reaction will surprise you
First-Time Flyer at 81: A Grandmother's Memorable Journey
Ryanair forecasts fare rebound as consumers recover from interest-rate hit
Global Airlines Launches Inaugural Flight, Aiming to Revive 'Golden Age of Travel'
Winning routes: American Airlines adds more than 22,000 seats for football fans following release of 2025–2026 pro schedule
Boeing scores Middle East plane deal during Trump visit
Air travel will be ‘worse’ this summer, lawmakers warn — as FAA gives infuriating update on system fixes, staffing issues
United Airlines CEO Reassures Passengers About Newark Airport Safety
American Testing Tech to Help Passengers Make Connecting Flights
British Airways to use AI in efforts to improve operations
American Airlines Tests New Tech to Help Passengers With Tight Connections During Summer Rush
Flight Diverted After Pregnant Woman on Board Goes into Labor and Delivers Her Baby: Report
United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby says "this is the most optimistic I've been in my entire career about finally getting the FAA fixed"
U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy Unveils Plan to Build Brand New, State-of-the-Art Air Traffic Control System
Passenger rushing for next flight can't believe what woman next to her does
Why fuel price crash won’t make flying cheaper
Kristi Noem says travelers without Real ID will still be able to fly after deadline
Frontier Airlines Announces New Routes Launching This Summer, Connecting Baltimore With Chicago O’Hare and Trenton, N.J. With Myrtle Beach, S.C.
Airlines in North America prioritize investments in cyber, AI
The evolution of the airline uniform — a cross check
Global Airlines & HiFly Operate 1st Passenger Airbus A380 Flight Between Barcelona And Berlin
American Airlines unveils ritzy new plane suites launching this summer
Airline Stocks To Keep An Eye On - April 28th
Gatwick Airport Faces Potential Strikes
50 New Routes Starting In May 2025
Global Industry News
Qantas retires last Boeing 717 after brief return
Policy
Webp 5r3vc2svdh8ibaxk8gr8iutw0za2
Simple Flying | Simple Flying

Qantas has officially retired its last Boeing 717 aircraft, marking the end of an era in Australian aviation. The airline had previously announced the retirement of these aircraft in October 2024 but briefly brought one back into service due to operational needs.

In a statement from October 26th, Qantas said, “Today marks the end of an era for the Qantas Group with the last remaining QantasLink Boeing 717 jet taking passengers to Australian skies for the final time.” Despite this announcement, a Boeing 717 registered as VH-YQW was spotted flying again in November to fill in for Network Aviation's Fokker 100s facing reliability issues.

Flight records indicate that VH-YQW resumed flights on November 5th and operated routes including Perth International to Paraburdoo and other destinations such as Sydney, Hobart, Canberra, and Melbourne Tullamarine throughout December.

Get the Newsletter
Sign-up to receive weekly round up of news from Sky Industry News
Subscribe
By submitting, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. By providing your phone number you are opting in and consenting to receive recurring SMS/MMS messages, including automated texts, to that number from our short code. Msg & data rates may apply. Reply HELP for help, STOP to end. SMS opt-in will not be sold, rented, or shared.

The Boeing 717 has been integral to Australian commercial aviation since Impulse Airways first introduced it. After Impulse Airways was acquired by Qantas in 2001, these aircraft began operating under QantasLink. They also played a role in Jetstar's early operations before returning to QantasLink.

Rachel Yangoyan, CEO of QantasLink, remarked on their significance: “The 717 aircraft have a long history in Qantas and Jetstar’s fleet. From being the aircraft that launched Jetstar’s first ever flights in 2004 to serving major cities, regional towns, and the mining sector in the West as part of QantasLink for more than 20 years, we know our people and customers have loved flying on the 717.”

On December 30th, VH-YQW completed its final flight from Canberra to Brisbane. It is rumored that this last Boeing 717 will be donated to an aviation school based in Brisbane. As QantasLink transitions to Airbus A220s for improved efficiency and comfort, Delta Air Lines and Hawaiian Airlines remain among the few operators still using Boeing 717s but are expected to retire them soon.

Organizations Included in this History
Simple Flying
More News

Flying Food Group awards scholarships to five applicants in 2025

Flying Food Group, Inc. has announced the recipients of its 2025 scholarships, with all five applicants receiving awards this year.

Oct 23, 2025

Dnata and Silk Way Group form joint venture for aviation hub in Azerbaijan

Dnata, a global provider of air and travel services, has entered into a joint venture with Azerbaijan’s Silk Way Group to launch ground handling and cargo operations at Alat International Airport, located in the Alat Free Economic Zone in Baku.

Oct 22, 2025

Delta Air Lines updates app with new features for holiday travel

Delta Air Lines has announced the release of version 7.5 of its mobile app, introducing new features aimed at making travel planning and management easier for customers during the holiday season.

Oct 22, 2025

Fair Work Commission awards $36,468 to former dnata worker over unfair dismissal

The Fair Work Commission has ruled that a former employee of dnata Airport Services was unfairly dismissed and awarded $36,468.39 in compensation.

Oct 22, 2025

Delta Air Lines sponsors breast cancer awareness walk in Ghana

The 13th Annual Breast Care International Walk for the Cure took place in Kumasi, Ghana, drawing around 30,000 participants, including survivors, healthcare professionals, students, traditional leaders, and advocates.

Oct 22, 2025

LAX closes Terminal 5 for redevelopment as MSC South opens

The Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) has announced the closure of Terminal 5 to allow for a significant redevelopment.

Oct 22, 2025

Aviation Comments
Loading...

No comments available.

Trending
1

Flying Food Group's SFO Facility hosts successful Breast Cancer Awareness Day with community support

2

Flying Food Group HR manager on wage increases: 'Unite Here has still not responded to Flying Food Group'

3

Flying Food Group SEA facility recognized for quality assurance by Seattle Port Authority

4

Delta Air Lines launches tree-planting initiative ahead of LA28 Olympic Games

5

Flying Food Group celebrates employees with appreciation event at SFW facility