Qantas has reached a significant agreement to divest 44 of its Boeing 737 Next Generation aircraft to aftermarket specialist AerFin. This transaction marks the largest in the company history of the UK-based firm and serves as a major milestone in the Australian flag carrier’s fleet modernization strategy.
The agreement includes the acquisition of 88 CFM International CFM56-7B engines alongside the airframes. The transition is scheduled to occur over a seven-year period, with the initial aircraft expected to exit the Qantas fleet before the end of 2026. This staggered approach provides Qantas with the operational flexibility to align the retirement of its older narrowbody fleet with the ongoing delivery of new Airbus A321XLR aircraft.
For the aftermarket sector, this deal represents a substantial injection of serviceable material. AerFin plans to utilize the assets to support global maintenance, repair, and overhaul requirements. As Qantas continues its transition, the move underscores the shifting landscape of narrowbody fleets as operators prioritize next-generation efficiency. The airline has already integrated seven A321XLRs into its operations, with 41 additional units on order to replace the aging 737 inventory.