Netherlands confirms F-35
The Netherlands government has formally selected the F-35 to replace its fleet of F-16s, agreeing to purchase 37 of the new generation aircraft in what culminates a lengthy assessment, the decision based on creating a “a high-tech, future-oriented air force”. In a statement announcing the selection, the government said: “From a military operational perspective the
Virgin Australia sets up cabin crew base in Adelaide
Virgin Australia is to set up a cabin crew base in Adelaide, in what the airline said is recognition of the city’s growing importance to domestic operations. Creating up to 80 new jobs, Virgin Australia chief customer officer Mark Hassell said: “We have more than 40 flights arriving and departing each day at Adelaide Airport. Having
Boeing’s 787-9 completes first flight
Boeing’s first 787-9 has completed its first flight, taking off from Everett at 1102 local time on September 17, before landing over five hours later at Boeing Field, Seattle. The flight was crewed by 787-9 senior project pilot Mike Bryan and 787 chief pilot Randy Neville. They departed north from Everett, and tested the RR
Qantas reviews future of Avalon maintenance facility
In a widely anticipated move, Qantas is reviewing the future of its heavy maintenance base in Avalon, Victoria. The continued retirement of 747s, which had been overhauled at Avalon, has significantly reduced workload at Avalon and spurred consideration of a significant downsizing or closure of the facility. Qantas Domestic CEO Lyell Strambi said Avalon “was
Newcastle Airport to double terminal capacity
Newcastle Airport will double its existing terminal under an $80 million expansion program that it hopes will encourage more domestic and international services. The airport, which is owned by local councils Port Stephens and Newcastle City, has received strong backing from the NSW government both in funding towards new developments and through policy support for
Airbus’s newest joint venture in China delivers first major A350 components
Airbus has received its first shipment of carbon fibre elevators for the A350 from the Harbin Hafei Airbus Composite Manufacturing Centre (HMC), a joint venture between Airbus and Chinese partners. Under an agreement signed in 2007 between Airbus and the Chinese government, Airbus agreed to allocate five per cent of the A350 airframe to be
