The 2020 Australian Aircraft Census

The most comprehensive analysis of every aircraft in the country

It has been four years since the last Australian Aircraft Census was published and a lot has happened within the Australian aviation scene since then. Even before the pandemic Qantas had begun retiring its Boeing 747 fleet and the recent situation has only added to the aircraft’s woes. Once the pride of the Qantas fleet, there are now only three remaining on the local register and none of those are still flying. The only bright note as far as Boeing aircraft numbers go is the 787 fleet has doubled since the last census – although of course many of those are in storage. With a steady build-up of Boeing 737 numbers prior to COVID-19, these gains have now disappeared as the revamped Virgin Australia shed some of its leased aircraft. Airbus numbers have remained steady but it will be a different story with next year’s census, and even if Rex take some of the Tigerair aircraft no doubt some will be exported over the coming months. 

The business jet market has been a shining light in a gloomy 12 months with the numbers of Bombardier Global Expresses and Challengers in the country increasing, while Gulfsteam numbers have remained static. The 35 is the most popular of the Learjets with an increase from 16 to 23 units, while six Pilatus PC-24 jets are now in the country, mainly with the Royal Flying Doctor Service.