The 26th October marked a significant moment for Qantas and its QantasLink regional partner as the airline flew its final Boeing 717 flight.
With modern types like the Airbus A220 joining the fleet, older aircraft like the 717 and De Havilland Canada Q400 are being retired.
The final Boeing 717 flight for QantasLink was QF1511, operating between Sydney and Canberra, and flown by VH-YQS.
The 20-year-old jet had completed more than 15,000 flights, over 17,000 hours, in its 11 years flying for Qantas.
The link between Sydney and Canberra is now flown by Q400.
QantasLink Chief Executive Officer Rachel Yangoyan said the airline was proud to celebrate and recognise the 717’s history and contribution to aviation in Australia.
“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 Ms Yangoyan.
“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.
“As we farewell the Boeing 717 in Australia and the end of an era, we are excited about the future of QantasLink jet flying onboard the A220 aircraft.
What Has Happened to the Qantas 717 Fleet?
Following this final flight, VH-YQS was quietly flown across the Pacific to Victorville in California via stops in Apia and Kailua-Kona, to be stored pending an uncertain future.
While the retirement of the Boeing 717 by Qantas leaves only two other carriers flying the type – Delta Air Lines and Hawaiian Airlines – it is thought some of the Australian aircraft might be taken on by Delta to prop up its fleet for another few years. However, whether this means as a spare parts source or active airframe is not known.
VH-YQW spotted at Perth on 6th November. Photo (c) Merv Crowe
Interestingly, at least one QantasLink 717 has been pressed back into service since the official retirement.
VH-YQW was spotted flying between Perth and Paraburdoo in Western Australia on 6th November to covering essential flights to the remote mining region. It is though the aircraft may remain on this service until late November.
To date, all of the former QantasLink Boeing 717 fleet has been sent for storage at Victorville, apart from VH-YQW, and apart from three aircraft which went on to fly for Hawaiian Airlines in 2008.
