Virgin returns to Mt Isa
Virgin Australia has announced plans to resume flights from Brisbane to Mount Isa, raising hopes in the mining centre that competition will lead to lower fares. Qantas has held a monopoly on the route since Virgin withdrew from Mount Isa in 2001, saying competition from the flying Kangaroo left it unable to fill its seats.
Hawker Pacific order six King Air 350s
Hawker Pacific has ordered six Beechcraft King Air 350i turboprops and expects to begin taking delivery of the aircraft later this year. Hawker Pacific, a sales and support company, said the orders came in response to “increasing inquiries from customers looking to reduce costs without sacrificing quality or performance.” It said the King Airs would
Airservices chief steps down
Airservices Australia chief Greg Russell has resigned after almost seven years with the organisation. Mr Russell’s resignation was effective yesterday. Airservices chief financial officer Andrew Clark will serve as acting CEO until a permanent replacement is named. In a statement, Airservices did not provide a reason for Mr Russell’s departure. But the air traffic control
Army grounds Tigers over cockpit fumes
The Army has grounded its fleet of Tiger Armed Reconnaissance Helicopters after a pilot detected fumes in the cockpit of one of the machines. Defence gave few details of the issue in a brief statement, saying only that all training flights had been suspended. The Army operates a fleet of 22 Tigers, three of which
Gold Coast Airport plan approved with concerns
Federal Transport Minister Anthony Albanese has approved Gold Coast Airport’s 20-year Master Plan but says the airport must do a better job communicating with the public about aircraft noise and other issues. “I expect to see genuine engagement with the community as Gold Coast Airport develops in preparation for the 2018 Commonwealth Games,” Albanese said
Virgin trials biodiesel baggage vehicle
Virgin Australia has launched a trial of biodiesel fuel in a baggage handling vehicle at Brisbane Airport. Virgin says the trial is the first time an Australian airline has used biodiesel in its ground service equipment. The fuel is made up of 20 per cent biodiesel derived from tallow and used cooking oil and 80
