iscover
Qantas has sold 44 of its 737-800 aircraft to global aviation firm AerFin as its fleet renewal continues.
The Flying Kangaroo currently operates 73 of the narrow-body aircraft, with another three parked. Its first 737-800, VH-VXA, was retired this month after almost 25 years in service, having operated its first flight in February 2002, and will be part of the AerFin deal.
This content is available exclusively to Australian Aviation members.
A monthly membership is only $5.99 or save with our annual plans.
- Australian Aviation quarterly print & digital magazines
- Access to In Focus reports every month on our website
- Unlimited access to all Australian Aviation digital content
- Access to the Australian Aviation app
- Australian Aviation quarterly print & digital magazines
- Access to In Focus reports every month on our website
- Access to our Behind the Lens photo galleries and other exclusive content
- Daily news updates via our email bulletin
- Unlimited access to all Australian Aviation digital content
- Access to the Australian Aviation app
- Australian Aviation quarterly print & digital magazines
- Access to In Focus reports every month on our website
- Access to our Behind the Lens photo galleries and other exclusive content
- Daily news updates via our email bulletin
“Our 737s have been the workhorse of the Qantas domestic operation and will continue flying for us for many years, alongside our growing fleet of next generation aircraft,” said Qantas Domestic CEO Markus Svensson.
“This agreement allows us to plan for the retirement of the majority of our 737 fleet while also providing flexibility to adjust the timing as new aircraft arrive.
“We expect to take delivery of up to 24 new aircraft this year, with our next generation fleet improving our operational performance and receiving great customer feedback.”
The 737s will leave the Qantas fleet over the next seven years as more new aircraft arrive, including the A321XLRs that will form the new backbone of its domestic and short-haul operations, with a total A321XLR order book of 48.
AerFin has also welcomed the deal, the largest transaction in the company’s history, which also includes the 88 CFM56-7B engines on board the aircraft.
“The transaction will support airline and MRO customers globally with access to high-quality aircraft material and tailored aftermarket solutions,” the firm said.
“The agreement also reinforces AerFin’s growing presence across the Asia-Pacific region and highlights the company’s ability to execute complex aviation transactions at scale.”
According to its chief commercial officer James Bennett, the deal “forms part of AerFin’s wider strategy to expand its global aviation asset portfolio and strengthen support for airlines, lessors and MROs seeking reliable aftermarket solutions”.
“The Asia-Pacific market continues to present significant opportunities for the aviation aftermarket, and this transaction further strengthens AerFin’s position in the region,” he said.
“Working closely with Qantas on a deal of this scale reflects the trusted relationships we continue to build with airlines and asset owners worldwide. It also demonstrates our ability to provide flexible, commercially focused solutions that support customers throughout the aircraft lifecycle.”
Qantas now has seven A321XLR aircraft in service, with the first having arrived late last year, as well as 15 QantasLink A220s. The group added 17 new aircraft in the 2026 financial year, with up to 31 expected in 2026–27.
Want to see more stories from trusted news sources?
Make Australian Aviation a preferred news source on Google.
Click here to add Australian Aviation as a preferred news source.
