No, Qantas is not getting the Boeing 737 MAX; instead, they are replacing their existing 737 fleet with new Airbus A321XLRs, alongside A320s and A220s, focusing on a significant shift towards an almost entirely Airbus mainline fleet, though they are refurbishing some current 737s. While Qantas considered the 737 MAX years ago, their current strategy centers on the advanced Airbus models for fleet renewal, with A321XLRs arriving soon.
Virgin Australia is currently the only Australian airline operating the 737 MAX 8, though both it and Qantas fly the older 737NG family, which includes the 737-700 and 737-800.
Qantas is replacing its Boeing 737 fleet primarily with the Airbus A321XLR, an extra-long-range jet offering more capacity, longer range, better fuel efficiency, and significant cabin upgrades like wider seats, larger bins, and free Wi-Fi, with some A320s and A220s also joining the fleet to bridge capacity gaps and modernize domestic operations. The first A321XLRs began service in late 2025, with deliveries extending over the next decade, phasing out the older 737-800s.
The aircraft are operated out of Canberra's RAAF Fairbairn base by the Air Force's No. 34 Squadron. After Bonza's demise, Virgin Australia is currently the only Australian airline to operate the 737 MAX family, having received its seventh MAX 8 in June.
United States
How to Avoid Flying a MAX Airplane
Yes, the Boeing 737 MAX 8 is considered safe by global aviation regulators, having been re-certified after significant software and design fixes, mandatory pilot training updates, and extensive testing, though some passengers still choose to avoid it for personal peace of mind. The fixes addressed the MCAS software, ensuring pilots have ultimate control and the system activates less frequently with more reliable sensor data, making it safer than before, according to Boeing and Singapore Airlines.
Yes, Virgin Australia, now referred to as Virgin Australia, operates the Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft and is actively expanding its fleet of these modern, fuel-efficient jets for both domestic and short-haul international routes. They received their first 737 MAX 8 in June 2023, with more deliveries scheduled to support network growth and provide a more comfortable passenger experience.
Hong Kong: The Civil Aviation Department banned the operation of all 737 MAX aircraft into, out of and over Hong Kong. Panama: The Civil Aviation Authority grounded its aircraft. Vietnam: The Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam banned Boeing 737 MAX aircraft from flying over Vietnam.
On the Boeing 737 MAX 8, 12A and 12F are the ones to avoid. We also find this problem with easyJet. If you're flying on their Airbus A320, seat 31A is the one to avoid; 31F might also not have a window, depending on the layout.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Qantas retires airbus a330-200 aircraft.
Comparative Aircraft Sizes: From the mighty Boeing 747-8 at 76.25m to the compact Boeing 737-800 at 39.5m, showcasing a lineup of popular commercial airliners by size and airline livery.
Virgin Australia and fledgling budget startup Bonza currently operate the Max 8 aircraft, and are expecting to take delivery of more in coming months and years as airlines look to become more fuel-efficient for cost and environmental reasons. Bonza has six planes in its fleet, all of which are Max 8 aircraft.
In contrast, the original Boeing 737 models, which were in service for 12-13 years, account for approximately 63% of all fatal accidents in the 737 series.
Are Boeing 737 Max planes safe? Boeing 737 Max jets were grounded worldwide between March 2019 and late 2020 after the two catastrophic crashes involving the Max 8 model.
Qantas offers a more premium, all-inclusive experience with a wider network, better lounges, and lie-flat business seats on some routes, while Virgin Australia competes with lower prices, better value in economy/mid-tier business, and sometimes better punctuality/fewer cancellations, though Qantas often wins on overall punctuality. The choice depends on budget, priority (price vs. premium service), and route; Qantas for premium international/network, Virgin for cost-effective domestic travel.
I enjoy the roominess of an exit row seat
If my aircraft has two exit rows, one behind the other, which is the case for the Boeing 737 Max aircraft on which I often travel, I select the row closer to the back of the cabin.
Boeing 737
In 2021, the existing six 737 MAX 8s that have been in service with SilkAir and the remaining 31 on order were transferred to Singapore Airlines. In all, Singapore Airlines will have 37 737 MAX 8s in the fleet.
With decades-long service history, the Boeing 717 is a narrowbody airliner used by several airlines today and maintains a perfect safety record. The airliner has over a million take-offs throughout its lifespan and has only been involved in six minor incidents, none of which resulted in fatalities.
March 10, another 737 MAX 8 operating Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302 crashed shortly after take-off from Addis Ababa airport, killing all 157 on board, due to a similar faulty MCAS, initiating a worldwide flight ban for the aircraft, starting with China on March 11.