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What is Qantas oldest aircraft?

Avro 504K (Replica) The Avro 504K was the first QANTAS aircraft and was used by the airline for five years. Powered by a 100 h.p. Sunbeam Dyak engine, it was modified to carry up to two passengers as well as the pilot. After higher capacity aircraft were received, the original Qantas Avro 504K was sold in 1926.



As of 2026, the title of the oldest aircraft in the broader Qantas Group belongs to the Fokker 100 jets operated by the regional subsidiary, QantasLink. Some of these airframes, such as VH-NHO, are approximately 34 to 35 years old, having originally been delivered to carriers like US Airways in the early 1990s. Within the "mainline" Qantas fleet, the oldest aircraft is a Boeing 737-800 (specifically VH-VXA, known as "Broome"), which was delivered in early 2002 and is now over 24 years old. For wide-body enthusiasts, the oldest active long-haul jet is the Airbus A330-200 (registered VH-EBA, "Cradle Mountain"), which entered service in October 2002. Qantas is currently in the middle of a massive fleet renewal program, replacing these aging "workhorses" with state-of-the-art Airbus A220s and A321XLRs. Despite their age, these older planes are maintained to rigorous safety standards, though they lack the modern fuel efficiency and passenger amenities (like large seatback screens and high-speed Wi-Fi) found in the newer Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners.

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Qantas will begin to retire its fleet of Airbus A330 aircraft from July 2027, with the A380 superjumbo following it out the door five years later, as the final piece in its fleet renewal program which will see the jets replaced by fuel-efficient Airbus A350-1000 and a mix of Boeing 787 aircraft models.

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Qantas is upgrading its A380s with new business class seats and lounges. “But as part of the pipeline we're building, I can announce they will be replaced by the Airbus A350 from about FY32 onwards.”

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Currently, the world's biggest international airline has on order 50 A350-900s, 30 787-9s and 115 Boeing 777Xs. The airline operates 119 A380s, 123 Boeing 777-300ERs and 10 Boeing 777-200LRs. The 777X aircraft will replace the A380s, while the A350s and 787s will eventually replace the 777s.

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Dubbed 'Project Fysh', in recognition of airline co-founder Sir Hudson Fysh, Qantas will replace the aging Airbus A330s with a new fleet of Boeing 787 and Airbus A350-1000 jets. The mixed-fleet order includes 24 firm orders – four Boeing 787-9, eight Boeing 787-10 and 12 Airbus A350-1000s.

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KLM, officially known as KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, holds the prestigious title of being the oldest airline in the world still operating under its original name. Founded on October 7th, 1919, by a visionary group led by Dutch pilot Albert Plesman (1889–1953), KLM has a rich history that spans over a century.

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While the 777X offers unrivalled dimensions, advanced materials, and cutting-edge engine technology, the A350 shines with its lightweight composite airframe, advanced aerodynamics, and superior fuel efficiency.

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Now that the pandemic seems under control, the great queens of the sky are making a comeback. Etihad, Emirates, Lufthansa, Qantas, British Airways and other airlines, including new start-up Global, are putting the A380 back to work.

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Now that the pandemic seems under control, the great queens of the sky are making a comeback. Etihad, Emirates, Lufthansa, Qantas, British Airways and other airlines, including new start-up Global, are putting the A380 back to work.

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Qantas has opted to buy 12 787-10s and -9s and 12 more A350s to replace its A330 and A380 aircraft. The multi-billion dollar order is split between 12 Airbus A350s and 12 Boeing 787s arriving from FY27 into the next decade.

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