Hong Kong Airlines to cancel A380 orders — reports
Struggling Hong Kong Airlines is reigning in its ambitions in a move that could see both Airbus and Boeing take a hit. The airline’s president, Yang Jianhong, said yesterday that it would replace orders for five Boeing 787-8s and sell two Boeing 737-300 freighters in favour of Airbus A330 and A320 aircraft. Mr Yang said
China Southern coming to Cairns, adding to Brisbane
China Southern Airlines will launch service to Cairns and increase flights to Brisbane as it continues a dramatic expansion of services to Australia. The carrier – China’s largest international airline – will make Cairns its fifth Australian port with three weekly flights from its Guangzhou hub commencing in December, when it will also increase Brisbane
Body scanners get the go-ahead
The Federal Parliament has passed legislation that will see full body scanners installed at security queues across Australia’s international airports. The scanners, unlike machines that have proven controversial in the US, display only a generic ‘stick figure’ outline of passengers while highlighting items hidden under clothing. The federal government flagged plans to roll out the
Continuing to press its assault on Qantas, Virgin Australia will move the majority of its trans-continental flights to internationally-configured A330 widebodies while offering passengers free meals, drinks and in-flight entertainment. The changes, due to take effect on September 26, will bring Virgin services in line with Qantas on the fast-growing Perth routes. Virgin, which had
Airservices advances Pilbara radar tower
Airservices Australia has begun construction of an en route radar in the Pilbara region of WA. The radar, at Paraburdoo, comes in response to a significant increase in air traffic due to the mining sector, Airservices said. The radar will allow air traffic controllers to track aircraft down to the ground at Paraburdoo and will
Virgin to cut Hamilton NZ flights on slack demand
Virgin Australia will end its thrice weekly services from Brisbane to Hamilton, New Zealand, citing a lack of demand. The airline said its last flight on the route would be on October 27. Virgin began flying to Hamilton in 2009. “Despite our support and out positive relationship with Hamilton Airport over the past three years,
