The number of operators of the machine type Boeing 717 was never particularly large. Comparatively only a few of the jets developed by McDonnell Douglas as the MD-95 were built. In mid-2024 there will be one less operator again, as Qantas will part with the rear-wheel drive model.

In Europe, the last – and for a few years only – operator of the Boeing 717 was Spanish low-cost airline Volotea. The jets were temporarily phased out. Airbus A319 and A320 serve as successors. Qantas is now in the process of phasing out the B717 fleet because it believes that more modern types use less fuel. The VH-NXI is the first unit to leave the Qantas Link fleet. On this occasion there was a small farewell. Two more B2023s are scheduled to be decommissioned by mid-June 717.

The VH-NXI is 23,6 years old and has been deployed in Australia for most of its service life. The jet initially flew as VH-IMP for Impulse Airlines and has been in service with Qantas Link since 2006. The 20 Boeing 717s are to be successively replaced by 29 Airbus A220-300s. According to official figures, the Canadian jet's fuel consumption will be 28 percent lower, the range will be almost twice as large and the seating capacity will be 25 percent higher.

Qantas is currently assuming that the first Airbus A220-300 can be taken over at the end of this year. When asked about the 20 A321XLRs on order, it is believed that the first unit will arrive towards the end of 2024. The current B717 fleet is scheduled to be fully phased out by mid-2024. It will then be seen whether the machines will find another operator on the used market or not. In the past, Delta was always interested in the Mc Donnell Douglas MD-90 and Boeing 717, but it has now started phasing out both of these models itself.