Qantas's Boeing 737 fleet, primarily the 737-800 model, has an average age of around 17-18 years, with individual planes ranging from over 23 years old (the oldest) to newer models, though most are older workhorses forming the backbone of their domestic network, simplifying operations.
The oldest aircraft operating under the main Qantas brand is the narrowbody Boeing 737-800 'VH-VXA' at 23.2 years old. However, the oldest Qantas aircraft flying for the wider Group and carrying Qantas' logo is the QantasLink Fokker 100 'VH-NHO' at 34.7 years old.
The Boeing 737-800 has been the workhorse of Qantas' domestic and short-haul international fleet for well over a decade. In fact, the youngest Boeing 737 in Qantas' fleet is now more than 10 years old, while the oldest is 23 years old. The average fleet age is 16.5 years.
C-GNLK, one of Nolinor's 737-200s, is the oldest jet airliner in commercial service as of 2024, having entered service 50 years prior in 1974.
Look forward to an improved, next-generation inflight experience on our Boeing 737-800s as we embark on cabin upgrades of 42 aircraft. Upgrades will include new Business and Economy seats with charging technology, refreshed interiors and larger overhead locker space for your carry-on baggage.
🛫 What Makes the 737 MAX Controversial? The Boeing 737 MAX was grounded globally in 2019 following two accidents linked to a flight control system known as MCAS (Maneuvering Characteristics Augmentation System).
Speaking to Australian Aviation on the inaugural Melbourne service, Hudson said the A321XLR will not only form the backbone of Qantas' domestic fleet as older 737s are phased out, but will also offer new opportunities in international routes.
Aircraft age is not a safety concern. However, older aircraft that haven't been properly refurbished may cause inconveniences such as overheating, faulty air conditioning, or plumbing issues in the lavatory. More important than an aircraft's age is its maintenance history.
Narrowbody aircraft, exemplified by the Boeing 737 series, typically have an average service life of 12 to 15 years. However, with diligent maintenance and periodic refurbishments, many 737s continue to operate for 25 years or more. Their relatively lower maintenance costs contribute to their appeal for prolonged use.
She's a celebrity both for her music and for her extravagance. Lady Gaga owns 3 private jets, no less! Like Kim Kardashian, she opted for Boeing 747 private jets. It's no wonder that, with earnings of $59 million in 2021 alone, the international pop star has been able to equip herself with these VIP aircraft.
Qantas Pilot Salary in 2025🤑 First officers👩✈️at @qantas in 2025 typically earn annual salaries starting around AUD 168,000 per year💰for newer first officers on short-haul aircraft✈️, and rising into the region of AUD 200,000 to AUD 250,000 per year😲
Left: Boeing 777 – a widebody, long-haul beast with two massive engines and wide wingspan. Right: Boeing 737 – a narrow-body, short to medium-haul workhorse. 🛩️ You can clearly see the wider fuselage, larger wings, and engine scale of the 777 dominating the stand!
If you're travelling with American Airlines on the Boeing 737-800 and want a window seat, you should avoid the supposed window seats 10A, 12A, and 12F (depending on the layout) to avoid disappointment. On the Boeing 737 MAX 8, 12A and 12F are the ones to avoid.
Qantas never bought the Boeing 777 because it didn't fit their specific route needs, with earlier models considered too big for domestic flights and later options like the 777X facing competition from more suitable Airbus aircraft (A380, A350) that offered better range, capacity, or efficiency for their unique long-haul, point-to-point strategy, despite Qantas's early involvement in the 777's design program. Key factors included ETOPS rules (limiting twin-engine range), a focus on fewer aircraft types, and favorable Airbus deals for the A380/A330, making the 777 a less optimal choice.
The Boeing 737 MAX passenger airliner was grounded worldwide between March 2019 and December 2020 after 346 people died in two similar crashes in less than five months, and briefly in January 2024 following a dangerous in-flight incident.
The Qantas 72-hour rule isn't one single policy but a general guideline for actions like finalizing bookings, payments, or special requests (medical, unaccompanied minors) needed at least 72 hours before departure for processing, while also defining airline responsibilities for disruptions (like cancellations or significant delays) occurring within 72 hours, meaning Qantas offers rebooking on the next available flight without charge if an involuntary change happens close to departure. Passengers should confirm details within this window for smooth operations, but the rule mainly dictates Qantas's handling of involuntary disruptions, not voluntary changes, which follow fare rules.
Aircraft age is not a safety factor. However, if the aircraft is older and hasn't been refurbished properly, it may cause flyers some inconvenience such as overheating, faulty air conditioning, or faulty plumbing in the lavatory.
As of February 2024, there have been a total of 529 aviation accidents and incidents involving all 737 aircraft (not all are notable enough for inclusion on this list), which have resulted in a total of 5,779 fatalities and 234 hull losses. Lion Air Flight 610 is the deadliest accident involving a Boeing 737 aircraft.
It's the oldest Boeing 737-200 who still in operation in the world (first flight in 1974). C-GNLK Nolinor Aviation.
Regulatory Requirements for Older Aircraft. The FAA issues strict rules to ensure that all aircraft meet the same safety standards, no matter how old. So even if your airplane has been flying for decades, you can be confident it's still being held to high regulatory oversight.
National Transportation Safety Board analyzed all the airplane accidents between 1983 and 2000. Of the 53,487 people involved, 51,207 survived. That's a survival rate of 95.7 percent.
Qantas Captain salaries vary significantly but are among Australia's highest, with domestic captains earning AUD $200,000-$300,000+ and senior long-haul Captains (A380/787) potentially exceeding AUD $400,000 to $500,000+ annually, including allowances, as of 2025-2026, reflecting high demand and competitive pay scales for experienced flight crew.
Some pilots may find Airbus's side-stick and automation more comfortable, while others may prefer the tactile control and familiarity of Boeing's yoke.
Issues that have come to the forefront include the illegal sacking of 1700 workers during the pandemic. The airline also faces legal action from a consumer watchdog, which could result in a staggering $600 million fine. All this off the back of soaring delays and cancellations in 2022 which seeded the brand damage.