Opinion – Remember the Caribou?
I’ve been writing stories for the past three issues of sister publication ADBR about the seemingly never-ending search for a Caribou replacement for the RAAF. I’ve looked at all the options – official and unofficial – the issues surrounding the US ANG C-27J program, what Airbus is countering with, and the possible timings of it
Opinion – Fly high
Since starting out on this writing caper, I’ve built up and constantly revised my daily reading list. Bloggers and news services have come and gone or have become more or less relevant. But one of the constants has been Neptunus Rex, the blog and pseudonym of retired US Navy F/A-18 pilot, Capt Caroll ‘Lex’ LeFon.
Airbus pitches RAAF sixth MRTT
Airbus Australia Program Manager Valentin Merino has told Australian media that the company has made an unsolicited offer to the Royal Australian Air Force for a sixth MRTT/KC-30 tanker. The ‘green’ Airbus-owned aircraft was built for the US KC-X program, which was originally awarded to Airbus before being cancelled on appeal. Mr Merino said the
Airbus Military calls for a level playing field
In the wake of the likely cancellation of the US Joint Cargo Aircraft program, Airbus Military has redoubled its marketing campaign efforts to push for an open tender for Australia’s Battlefield Airlifter (BFA) requirement under project AIR 8000 Phase 2. In a media briefing held in Canberra on March 6, Airbus Military Australia C295 program
Williamtown RAAF pilot LIFTs local youth
Williamtown-based RAAF F/A-18 pilot SQNLDR Paul Simmons has officially launched a program aimed at youth at risk in the Newcastle and Hunter region. Called LIFT – for Learning, Inspiration, Friendship and Trust – the organisation has been operating since 2009 in collaboration with other youth development organisations and offers tailored and practical aviation based programs that
Virgin Samoa touches down
Ploynesian Blue has been formally relaunched as Virgin Samoa as the airline’s 737 touched down in Apia today featuring its new Virgin Australia-style livery and interior. The airline’s 737-800, ZK-PBF Tapu’itea, flew into Samoa from Auckland today, after being repainted and having its interior upgraded by Air New Zealand. “Today we take the national airline of
