Virgin says earnings up, new booking system on the way
Virgin Australia says pre-tax profits rose during the first quarter despite higher fuel costs, but stopped short of providing specifics. The airline said it could not provide clear profit guidance because of the uncertain global economic environment but continued “to expect an improvement in underlying performance over the last financial year.” Virgin Australia reported an
Pyjama contest a nightmare for Qantas
Qantas is the subject of yet another less than flattering international news story after a Twitter competition to win a pair of luxury pyjamas became a contest to come up with the best line bashing the beleaguered airline. Qantas invited its Twitter followers to use the ‘#QantasLuxury’ ‘hashtag’ to Tweet their “dream luxury in-flight experience” and get
Airbus begins A350 wing production
Airbus has started production of carbon fibre wings for its composite built A350 XWB, marking another step toward completion of the new widebody. Assembly of the 32 metre long wings is taking place at Airbus’s recently opened factory in Broughton, UK. The twin engine A350 is slated to compete with Boeing’s 777 and 787 airliners.
Boeing to begin EMD work on Super Hornet infrared sensor
The US Navy has tabbed Boeing to begin engineering and manufacturing development (EMD) of an infrared air-to-air targeting system for the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet fighter. The US$135 million contract for the Infrared Search and Track (IRST) sensor represents a key element of the Navy’s Block II Super Hornet flight plan. The IRST is scheduled for
Boeing delivers 100th 737-900ER
Boeing has delivered its 100th 737-900ER airliner. The single aisle medium-range twinjet was launched in 2005 and has so far logged 414 orders from 16 customers. Boeing has used the jet to replace the larger 757, which ceased production in 2004. The biggest of the popular 737 family, the 737-900ER typically seats about 180 passengers
Tiger turns 4, hopes for better year
Tiger Airways is marking the start of its fifth year in Australia with a two day sale as it seeks to turn the page on a rough fourth year. The sale starts today for its Stripes members and tomorrow for the general public, with fares from $34.44 one way from Melbourne to Sydney. The sale
