SYDNEY, November 5, 2026 — Qantas has agreed to sell 44 Boeing 737 Next Generation aircraft and 88 CFM56-7B engines to UK aftermarket company AerFin. The deal was announced on November 4, 2026.
The deal
- Timing: the aircraft leave over seven years, not all at once. Qantas decides when each one goes, based on replacement deliveries and its operations. AerFin expects the first aircraft before the end of 2026.
- Value: not disclosed. AerFin calls it the largest deal in its history.
- Age: Qantas started flying the 737-800 in 2002, so some of these aircraft are almost 25 years old.
- In the meantime: Qantas Domestic CEO Markus Svensson says the 737s will keep flying for several more years alongside new aircraft. Qantas is also refurbishing some 737s with updated interiors and inflight entertainment.
Replacement fleet
| Type | Delivered so far | Further firm orders |
|---|---|---|
| Airbus A321XLR | 7 | 41 |
| Airbus A220 (QantasLink) | 15 | 14 |
Qantas expects up to 24 new aircraft in 2026, including its first A350-1000ULR for Project Sunrise. Aviation A2Z attributes the firm-order figures to the AFR. A route-by-route retirement plan is TBA.
What it means for non-revs
- Nothing changes overnight. The 737 fleet shrinks gradually from late 2026 over seven years, so domestic seat supply should not suddenly drop.
- Domestic capacity is already tight. Qantas and Virgin Australia have both cut domestic capacity because of higher costs and softer demand, especially outside mining markets. Standby on popular domestic routes will remain competitive. Check loads early.
- Seat counts will change aircraft by aircraft. As A321XLRs and A220s replace 737s, some flights will have more seats and some fewer. Check the aircraft type on your flight when you list.
- Enthusiasts: the 737-800 has flown for Qantas since 2002, and the fleet leaves gradually over seven years, so there is still time to fly and photograph them. Final retirement dates are TBA.
Sources
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