Republic signs neo order
The parent company of US budget carrier Frontier Airlines has confirmed plans to buy 80 Airbus A320neo-family jets even as it pursues plans to spin off the money-losing airline. The final contract for 60 Airbus A320neos and 20 A319neos sees Frontier become a launch customer of the next generation aircraft, which is scheduled to begin
China Southern launches Perth services
Fast-growing China Southern Airways has continued its aggressive push into Australia, this week launching direct flights between Guangzhou and Perth. Already the world’s sixth largest airline, China Southern says it plans to increase weekly flights to Australia to 110 by 2015. The push is part of a larger strategy to develop Guangzhou as a major
Indian Mi-17V-5 deliveries begin
India has received its first batch of Russian-made Mi-17V-5 helicopters under a 2008 deal that will see it receive 80 of the updated aircraft. Featuring a revamped avionics suite and a streamlined cockpit, the Mi-17V-5 is the latest incarnation of the ubiquitous military helicopter known by NATO as the “Hip.” Primarily a transport aircraft, it
Heliwest to operate Qld police trial
Western Australia based Heliwest has been awarded a six month, $500,000 trial contract to provide the state of Queensland with its first police helicopter. The first phase of the trial got underway at the beginning of November and runs through January. Queensland officials said the helicopter would be used for everything from vehicle pursuits to
787 to visit next week
Boeing’s new 787 Dreamliner will visit Australia next week as Qantas celebrates its 91st birthday. A 787-8 development aircraft will touch down in Sydney on November 15. It will stay for the Flying Kangaroo’s birthday celebrations the following day before flying to Melbourne on the 17th. The Australia visit will follow a three-day stop in
Ferra to build Rhino rudder pedals
Minister for Defence Materiel Jason Clare had credited Boeing with keeping production of rudder pedals for the F/A-18F Super Hornet in Australia after a previous Australian manufacturer – Production Parts – went into receivership. Under a new contract, Brisbane based Ferra Engineering will produce the remaining pedal kits previously contracted to Victorian company Production Parts,
