As Australia’s flag carrier, Qantas operates a diverse fleet of aircraft that serve domestic, regional, and long-haul international routes.
With a history stretching back over 100 years, the airline has continually modernized its fleet to remain competitive and efficient.
In this article, we take a detailed look at the current Qantas fleet in 2025 and what changes are on the horizon.
Qantas Fleet Overview
As of early 2025, Qantas operates the following aircraft types, according to fleet data from Planespotters.net:
Airbus fleet:
- 16x A330-200s
- 12x A330-300s
- 10x A380-800s
Boeing fleet:
- 75x 737-800s
- 14x 787-9 Dreamliners
Regional and domestic fleet (QantasLink):
- 20x Airbus A220-300s (being introduced)
- 18x Boeing 717-200s (to be phased out)
- 45x De Havilland Canada Dash 8 Q400s
- 22x Embraer E190s
These numbers reflect Qantas’ mainline operations, as well as its regional services under the QantasLink brand, which operates a mix of turboprops and smaller jets to connect regional centers.
Recent Fleet Changes
Retirements & Phase-Outs
Over the past few years, Qantas has been streamlining its fleet. The Boeing 747-400s were retired in 2020, and the airline has also recently phased out its Boeing 717s in favor of more fuel-efficient aircraft such as the Airbus A220-300.
New Arrivals
The firt Qantas A220 seen in the paint hangar.
Qantas has been investing in modern, fuel-efficient aircraft to improve its network and sustainability efforts. The airline recently introduced new Airbus A220-300s for regional and domestic services. These aircraft replace older Boeing 717s and offer better fuel efficiency and passenger comfort.
In the long-haul segment, Qantas continues to expand its Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner fleet. These aircraft are crucial for international routes, offering a modern cabin experience and improved fuel efficiency compared to older widebody aircraft.
Future Deliveries & Fleet Expansion
Qantas has placed orders for several new aircraft as part of its “Project Sunrise” and broader fleet renewal program:
- 12x Airbus A350-1000s – These aircraft will be used for ultra-long-haul flights, including direct services from Australia to destinations like New York and London.
- 20x Airbus A220-300s – These are replacing the Boeing 717 and Dash 8 Q400s in the regional and domestic fleet.
- 20x Airbus A321XLRs – These long-range narrowbodies will support Qantas’ international and high-demand domestic routes, replacing older 737-800s over time.
The Future of Qantas’ Fleet
Qantas continues to evolve its fleet strategy, focusing on efficiency, sustainability, and passenger comfort. The upcoming deliveries of A350-1000s will usher in a new era of long-haul travel, while the addition of A220s and A321XLRs will strengthen Qantas’ domestic and regional network.
With ongoing fleet modernization and expansion, plane spotters and aviation enthusiasts will have plenty to look forward to as Qantas transitions into the next phase of its operational history.
Title image: Mertie ., CC BY 2.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
