QantasLink, a regional subsidiary of the Qantas Group, operated its final Boeing 717 passenger flight in Australia today, marking the end of an era for the airline. The last flight, QF1511, landed in Canberra around 6 p.m., concluding the aircraft’s service with the airline.
The Final 717 Flight
The flight was operated by a veteran crew with over 100 years of combined experience flying the 717. The aircraft, named “Great Otway National Park” (VH-YQS), flew routes between Sydney, Launceston, and Canberra before being retired. After nearly 11 years of service and completing over 15,000 flights, the aircraft will remain grounded in Canberra until its official retirement in November.
The Boeing 717 has been in operation with QantasLink and Jetstar for over 20 years. Known for its reliability on short- to medium-haul routes, the 717 could carry about 100 passengers, serving a niche market for smaller airports. QantasLink was one of the last three commercial airlines globally to operate the aircraft.
The 717 fleet is being replaced by 29 new Airbus A220s as part of Qantas Group’s ongoing fleet renewal program, which aims to modernize its domestic and regional network. The A220 offers improved fuel efficiency and greater range compared to the 717.
QantasLink currently has four A220s in operation, with a new aircraft, named “Tasmanian Devil,” expected to enter service by the end of the year.
Speaking to Travel Radar, QantasLink CEO Rachel Yangoyan said:
“Today marks a significant moment in Australian aviation with the 717’s iconic T-shaped tail taking passengers to the skies for the last time, while we say goodbye to the 717, we are excited about the future with the A220, which offers lower emissions and a more comfortable experience for both customers and crew.”
The 717 had a significant role in Qantas and Jetstar’s operations, from launching Jetstar’s first flights in 2004 to serving major cities and regional hubs, as well as supporting Western Australia’s resource sector.
Airbus A220 to Enhance Passenger Experience
The new Airbus A220, set to replace QantasLink’s retiring Boeing 717 fleet, promises a significantly improved onboard experience. The A220 will accommodate 137 passengers across two cabins, featuring 10 Business Class seats in a 2-2 configuration and 127 Economy seats in a 2-3 layout.
Passengers can expect more comfort and space, with the largest windows of any single-aisle aircraft, creating a greater sense of openness. The A220 also offers modern conveniences, including fast, free Wi-Fi and an upgraded Qantas Entertainment App for streaming content to personal devices. Each seat is equipped with a device holder and USB A and C charging, with Business Class also providing wireless charging pads.
Economy passengers will benefit from more comfortable seats with enhanced padding compared to the 717, and all passengers will enjoy around 20% more overhead locker space. Additionally, the A220 is designed with sustainability in mind, reducing its noise footprint by up to 50% and cutting carbon emissions by 25% per seat compared to the aircraft it replaces.
Have you got a fond memory of flying on the 717? We’d love to hear your stories in the comments below!
