Australian flag carrier Qantas is continuing the gradual modernization of its narrowbody fleet, with its long-serving Boeing 737 aircraft increasingly being replaced by new Airbus jets in the coming years. As part of this process, Qantas has agreed to sell 44 Boeing 737 Next Generation aircraft to UK-based AerFin, a company specializing in aircraft, engines, and aftermarket components.

Despite the significant number of aircraft involved, their retirement will not take place all at once. According to AeroTime, the transfer of the aircraft to their new owner will take place over the next seven years, with the first units expected to leave the Qantas fleet before the end of 2026. This schedule will allow the Australian carrier to gradually replace its existing aircraft while adjusting the retirement timeline to match new aircraft deliveries.

The Airbus A321XLR will play a key role in modernizing Qantas’ domestic operations. According to data cited by AeroTime, Qantas has already taken delivery of seven aircraft of this type, with another 41 expected to arrive in the coming years. The new aircraft will progressively take over routes currently operated by Boeing 737s.

Markus Svensson, CEO of Qantas Domestic, emphasized that the airline’s existing Boeing 737s will remain an important part of its operations for many years. The agreement with AerFin allows the carrier to plan the retirement of most of these aircraft while maintaining flexibility in the event of changes to delivery schedules. Qantas expects to receive up to 24 new aircraft of various types during 2026.

For AerFin, the agreement represents the largest single transaction in the company’s history. In addition to the 44 aircraft, the deal includes a total of 88 CFM International CFM56-7B engines. The acquired aircraft and their components will be used to support other airlines and maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) organizations worldwide.

AerFin CEO Simon Goodson highlighted that completing a transaction of this scale requires substantial technical expertise, financial capabilities, and long-term trust between partners. The agreement also represents a further strengthening of the British company’s presence in the Asia-Pacific market.

The deal also demonstrates that the gradual retirement of older passenger aircraft does not necessarily mark the end of their useful life. Engines, components, and other parts can continue serving the aviation industry for years, supporting the maintenance of existing fleets and extending the overall lifecycle of aviation equipment.