The recall of the historic Boeing 717 today witnessed a ceremony hosted by Qantas Airlines

Australian airline Qantas has reported that it is marking the end of an era by recalling one of its Boeing 717s, because this example has special meaning: it was the first of its kind to be registered and operated in Australia.

The outgoing 717, registered under registration number VH-NXI, holds another important place in the recent history of the Qantas group: it operated Jetstar’s first flight between Melbourne and Launceston the day the airline began flying in May 2004.

The aircraft has operated on regional and domestic routes for QantasLink over the past 15 years, having completed more than 29,000 flights and carrying more than 1.6 million customers for Qantas and Jetstar over two decades.

labeled plane from the Blue Mountains Named after the World Heritage-listed national park in New South Wales, it is due to leave Australia in mid-June, to be sold to another major airline.

This is the third of the 717 airlines to leave the fleet. Its range limits mean that the journey to its new owner in North America will include eight refueling stops, including Cebu, Philippines, Sapporo, Japan and Anchorage, Alaska (USA).

All 20 of QantasLink’s Boeing 717s will be gradually replaced by 29 fuel-efficient Airbus A220s as part of the “Project Winton” fleet renewal programme. The first A220 is expected to arrive later this year and the first of 20 Airbus A321XLRs will arrive in late 2024.

Alan Joyce, Qantas Group Chief Executive Officer, joined pilots and crew at Sydney Airport to bid farewell to the 717 and welcome the new aircraft to the fleet. He said in his speech:

“It is the end of an era for the Boeing 717, which has played a significant role in connecting Australians in our domestic and regional network for more than two decades.

It is fitting that the first 717 to be registered in this country paves the way for an entirely new fleet type, the A220, which can operate twice the range of the 717, opening up new short-haul domestic and international routes.

Qantas remains in the early stages of the largest fleet renewal program in its history, with up to 299 narrow-body aircraft arriving over 10 years, in addition to the A350s that will operate our Project Sunrise flights. It is a very exciting time for our employees and customers alike, as these new aircraft create more opportunities and open up new destinations.

We have already received four new aircraft this year and are on track to receive eight more aircraft by the end of the year.

The new aircraft we receive is much more capable than the aircraft it replaces. They can fly farther, quieter and more efficiently, providing a great experience for our passengers.”

Boeing 717 blue mountains Operations in Australia:

2000 – Recorded for the first time in Australia as VH-IMP. Operating the first commercial flight for Impulse Airlines.

2001-2004 – Transferred to operate flights on QantasLink.

2004-2005 – Operated for Jetstar.

2006 – 2023 – Operated for QantasLink, registered as VH-NXI.

A220 vs. 717

Seats – 25 percent increase: from 137 to 110.

Range – another 100 percent.

Fuel consumption – 28% less per seat.