F-35 AF-7 makes inaugural flight
The second F-35 Lightning II production aircraft, AF-7, has taken off from Naval Air Station Fort Worth Joint Reserve Base, making its first flight last Friday (March 4). The F-35A CTOL variant flew for 1.3 hours. AF-7 is the second and final aircraft from Low Rate Initial Production (LRIP) lot 1, with the first aircraft,
Qantas increases fuel surcharge again
Qantas has announced a second increase in its international fuel surcharges in response to continual rises in jet fuel prices. The changes, which will apply to tickets issued on or after March 17, have been put down to a “range of factors”, according to Qantas CEO Alan Joyce, who pointed out ongoing political instability in
Thales launches CASIA ATM research centre
A new Air Traffic Management (ATM) research and development centre will aim to pioneer innovative solutions for air travel, after Thales Australia completed construction of the Centre of Advanced Studies in ATM (CASIA). Located within Thales’ existing Melbourne premises, CASIA will research ways to make air travel safer and more efficient, as well as deliver
RR signs engine research agreement with DMTC
Rolls-Royce has signed a landmark agreement with Australia’s Defence Materials Technology Centre (DMTC) during this year’s Australian International Airshow 2011. The jointly-funded agreement, which will develop advanced component repair techniques for military engines, was signed by DMTC CEO Mark Hodge, and Rolls-Royce president-Customer Business, Nick Durham. “This agreement between Rolls-Royce and DMTC is significant in that
Air China to buy 747-8s
Air China has become the third airline customer for the Boeing 747-8 Intercontinental, committing to buy five in a deal announced at Asian Aerospace in Hong Kong on March 8. “Air China has been operating 747s since the 1980s,” said He Li, vice president of Air China. “The new, high capacity Boeing 747-8 Intercontinental will
Dawson joins Air NZ board
Air New Zealand has announced that current chair and chief executive of KPMG, Jan Dawson, will join the airline’s board on April 1. Dawson has more than 30 years experience as a lead audit partner with several major companies in New Zealand, as well as experience in the UK and Canada. The appointment coincides with
