Qantas ended the ‘717 era’ on Saturday, October 26, when the Boeing jet’s last commercial flight was completed.
The flight that marked the aircraft’s farewell was QF1511 between Sydney and Canberra. The Boeing 717 used is registered VH-YQS and is configured with 110 seats in two classes.
According to the company, the jet will remain available until mid-November, when it will be effectively retired from the fleet.
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The Boeing 717 has been flying with the Australian group since 2001 when subsidiary QantasLink took over Impulse Airways. The aircraft also operated with Jetstar and around two dozen have passed through the fleet of both.
“Today marks a significant moment in Australian aviation with the 717’s iconic T-shaped tail taking passengers to Australian skies for the last time,” said QantasLink Chief Executive Officer Rachel Yangoyan.
One of the retired jets, VH-YQW, was the last one produced by Boeing at the Long Beach facility in 2006.
QantasLink is replacing the 717 with the Airbus A220, of which it has an order for 29 aircraft.
In addition to being more fuel-efficient, the A220 can seat up to 137 passengers in two classes and fly much longer distances.
