Body scanners operational at MEL
Full body scanners have gone operational at Melbourne Airport as part of a federal government airport security initiative. The scanners are being used in conjunction with walk-through metal detectors at Melbourne’s international departures terminal, with passengers randomly selected to go through one or the other. The government says the scanners are the most advanced screening
Status update: Qantas disconnects in-flight Wi-Fi
Qantas has disconnected in-flight Wi-Fi on its A380 fleet after a nine-month trial saw customers shy away from the service due to high costs and slow speeds. The airline said in a statement that only about five per cent of passengers were using the service, which was offered at costs ranging from $12.90 to $39. “Naturally,
Virgin: Qantas-Emirates deal would hurt consumers
Virgin Australia has laid out its arguments against the porposed Qantas-Emirates alliance, saying consumers would benefit more if the deal is rejected. In a submission to the ACCC, Virgin argues that the proposed tie-up is too broad and questions Qantas’s claim that it cannot survive as an international carrier without the deal. Virgin also argues
Air Pacific shows off new Fiji Airways livery
Air Pacific has unveiled its new livery as it prepares to re-launch as Fiji Airways next year. The new livery will be featured on a trio of new Airbus A330s scheduled to arrive during 2013. The re-brand is part of a larger overhaul that saw Air Pacific report a profit this year after two years of significant losses. Air Pacific
BA to keep calm and carry on…for now
British Airways has dropped strong hints that it may end services to Australia after it was spurned by long-time alliance partner Qantas in favour of Emirates. In a submission to the ACCC, BA said the 17-year revenue sharing alliance, set to end in March, has been a vital part of its Australia services, allowing it
Alaska Airlines buy 50 737s
Alaska Airlines has placed a firm order for 50 Boeing 737 aircraft. The deal, valued at $5 billion at list prices, is the largest in the airline’s history. Alaska currently operates an all-737 fleet of 120 aircraft and has 25 existing 737 orders. The new orders include 20 737 MAX-8s, 17 737 MAX-9s and 13
