QantasLink bids farewell to the Boeing 717 as it makes its final flight to Hobart

After many years of faithful service, the final QantasLink Boeing 717 flight has landed in Hobart for the last time.

The 20-year-old VH-YQS aircraft arrived in the Tasmanian capital on Wednesday morning to say goodbye before taking off for the last time just after midday.

As dozens of plane spotters gathered at the airport, the plane sat next to its successor, the Airbus A220, ready for a sentimental send-off.

The retirement of QantasLink Boeing 717 aircraft began earlier this year with VH-NXI, the first aircraft of its type registered and flown in Australia.

It joined the Qantas group as Jetstar two decades ago and operated its first flight between Melbourne and Launceston on the airline’s launch in May 2004.

The removal of the 717s from Australia also meant the loss of a VH-YQW aircraft named “Tassie Devil” with a unique Tasmanian Devil decal.

It was introduced when Boeing 717 flights began on the Melbourne to Hobart route in June 2014.

Qantas has confirmed there are just three days left to see the Boeing 717 in Australian skies.

Flight QF1562 will fly from Launceston to Sydney at 2.30pm on Saturday, marking the end of an era and the aircraft’s last commercial flight in the country.