<?xml version="1.0" encoding="ISO-8859-1"?> <docID>331824</docID> <postdate>2024-10-27 06:05:10</postdate> <headline>Star of the fast take-off retires</headline> <body><div> <div> <p><img class=" wp-image-331825" src="https://citynews.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/QantasLink-pic-by-Scott-300x300-1-e1729972832690.jpg" alt="" width="464" height="309" /></p> <caption>QantasLink has retired its last Boeing 717. Photo: Scott Mayman</caption> <p><span class="kicker-line">By aviation writer <strong>Scott Mayman</strong></span></p> </div> <p><strong>QantasLink has retired its last Boeing 717 jet.</strong></p> <p>On Saturday, QF 1511 left Sydney at 4.55pm and arrived in Canberra at 5.50pm with minimal fanfare.</p> <p>This type of aircraft was known for its fast and steep take offs, thanks to its rear-mounted engines. Its seat lay-outs were also popular (two seats on the left and three on the right).</p> <p>The propeller-driven Q400 aircraft now make up most of the flights to Sydney, however a Boeing 737 has also recently been brought into the schedule between the two cities.</p> </div> <div class="yj6qo"></div> <div class="adL"></div> </body>