Western Chinese carrier coming to Melbourne
Western China’s Sichuan Airlines has joined the parade of Chinese carriers to Australia, launching three times weekly services from Chengdu to Melbourne. Sichuan, which launched international services in June 2012, will also establish an office in Melbourne. The announcement follows a trade mission to China by the Victorian government, which hailed the deal as a
Virgin says Qantas-Emirates deal will hurt competition
While Qantas has argued that its international operations are too weak to survive without Emirates, Virgin Australia is claiming that Qantas’s strength means the proposed alliance will undermine competition. In a submission to the ACCC, Virgin has urged the consumer watchdog to deny Qantas’s application for interim approval of the alliance, saying the tie-up would
Boeing-Airbus trade row heats up as US says it has halted subsidies
The United States says it has complied with a World Trade Organization ruling on illegal subsidies to Boeing, but the European Union says it will study the measures to ensure full compliance. The development is the latest in a bitter trade dispute between the US and EU over subsidies to Boeing and Airbus, with both
United takes first 787; ANA orders 11 more
United Airlines has taken delivery of its first Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, becoming the North American launch operator for the long-awaited aircraft. United inherited orders for 50 787s in its merger with Continental and plans to use the new aircraft on international services to Africa, Asia and Europe. The airline said its first 787 will be
Avolon firms up 737 orders
Boeing and aircraft leasing company Avolon have finalised a deal for 25 737 aircraft valued at US$2.4 billion. The order, first announced as a commitment at the Farnborough Airshow in July, includes 10 737 MAX-8s, five 737 MAX-9s and 10 737-800s. Boeing said the deal brought firm orders for the 737 MAX to 664 aircraft
Hercules reunion planned as C-130H retirement draws near
The RAAF’s 37SQN will hold a farewell bash for the C-130H Hercules as the airlifter goes into retirement after 34 years of Australian service. A reunion for past and present members of the C-130H community will be held at RAAF Base Richmond on November 24, just ahead of the aircraft’s retirement in December. “This is
