SYDNEY- Qantas Airways (QF) is leasing four additional Boeing 737-800 aircraft to expand capacity as delivery delays impact its new Airbus A321XLR order. The leased jets will enter service by the end of 2025.
The delayed aircraft were originally scheduled to arrive earlier this year at Sydney Airport (SYD), but Qantas now expects the first Airbus A321XLR by next week, approximately three months behind schedule, The Australian reported.
Photo: QantasQantas Leases 737 Amid A321XLR Delays
To maintain network resilience and ensure sufficient domestic capacity, Qantas (QF) is turning to four “midlife” Boeing 737-800s.
These leased aircraft will bridge the shortfall created by the delayed Airbus A321XLR deliveries. All four jets are expected to join the fleet by the end of 2025.
These Boeing 737-800s, while not new, will undergo partial cabin upgrades upon entry. In a later phase, Qantas plans to fully retrofit them with the airline’s next-generation interior layout, aligning them with the design of its future Airbus A321XLRs.
after a break of two months, the first @Qantas #A321XLR VH-OGA had its second test-flight today at Airbus Hamburg, entering the final stage of the flight test program prior to delivery… pic.twitter.com/owoCaSiwx2
— Dirk Grothe | Aviation Photography (@digro65) June 5, 2025
The Airbus A321XLR, intended to operate out of key hubs like Melbourne (MEL) and Brisbane (BNE), represents a strategic upgrade for the airline’s domestic and short-haul international routes. Its delayed arrival has temporarily disrupted fleet modernization plans.
Photo: By Bidgee, CC BY-SA 3.0 au, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=86628332Refurbishment of Existing 737 Fleet
Qantas plans to modernize its domestic and regional international operations with a complete cabin overhaul for 42 Boeing 737s.
The retrofit program aligns with Qantas’ broader strategy to elevate the in-flight experience while preparing for a gradual transition to its next-generation Airbus fleet.
Qantas is investing in a full interior redesign of its Boeing 737 fleet, targeting both Business and Economy class cabins.
The project includes brand-new seats, redesigned sidewalls, new carpets, updated mood lighting, and larger overhead bins—capable of holding 50% more carry-on luggage. These enhancements are intended to deliver a refreshed cabin environment that closely mirrors the airline’s incoming Airbus A220 and A321XLR aircraft.
Despite these structural changes, the upgraded Boeing 737s will retain fast and free in-flight Wi-Fi, a popular feature for domestic and short-haul travelers. The first fully retrofitted aircraft is expected to re-enter service in 2027.
The 42 upgraded Boeing 737s play a critical role in Qantas’ broader domestic fleet strategy. These aircraft currently operate across Australia’s domestic network and on short-haul international routes to destinations such as Fiji (NAN), Vanuatu (VLI), and New Zealand (AKL).
The enhancements are designed to ensure service continuity and comfort until the airline completes its fleet transition.
Qantas’ long-term plan includes replacing its Boeing 737s with Airbus A321XLRs and A220s. As of mid-2025, five Airbus A220s are already in active service, supporting the airline’s operational flexibility and sustainability targets.
Photo: EmbraerRegional Fleet Upgrade
QantasLink has selected the Embraer 190 (E190) as the preferred aircraft to modernize its Western Australia-based fleet operated by Network Aviation. The new aircraft will replace the aging Fokker F100 (F100) jets used across charter, FIFO, and regional passenger services from Perth Airport (PER).
The renewal plan includes up to 14 E190s entering service from late 2026, aligning with Qantas Group’s broader strategy to enhance operational efficiency, reduce emissions, and improve passenger experience.
QantasLink’s decision to phase out the Fokker F100 aircraft comes as part of a broader modernization effort focused on improving fuel efficiency and network flexibility. The Embraer 190, a regional jet with a global reputation for performance and comfort, will become the new backbone of Network Aviation’s fleet in Western Australia.
Qantas is currently evaluating mid-life E190 sourcing options and expects the first aircraft to be delivered by the end of 2026. These jets will serve a mix of fly-in fly-out (FIFO) services and regional passenger routes, with the transition expected to reduce carbon emissions and lower maintenance costs over time.
Rachel Yangoyan, CEO of QantasLink, emphasized that the fleet renewal reflects a strong commitment to Western Australia’s resource sector and communities. She noted that the E190 would bring operational reliability and growth opportunities for regional aviation staff.
Photo: QantasInterim Boost with Airbus A320s
Before the E190s enter service, four Airbus A320 aircraft from Jetstar Asia (3K) will be integrated into Network Aviation’s operations by late 2025. These aircraft will facilitate the early retirement of four Fokker F100s, enabling a smoother transition while maintaining service continuity from Perth Airport (PER).
The accelerated F100 retirement will result in an incremental depreciation charge, as acknowledged in recent corporate filings, but it will not impact Qantas Group’s underlying earnings. The Group reaffirmed its FY26 capital expenditure guidance of AUD 4.1–4.3 billion.
The announcement has been welcomed by key industry partners such as Fortescue Metals. CEO Dino Otranto highlighted that the upgrade would directly benefit the more than 50 weekly flights from Perth (PER), supporting the company’s workforce, enhancing comfort and reliability on crucial FIFO routes.
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Qantas Airways Fleet in 2025
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