Australia issues Triton Letter of Request
The Australian government has confirmed its interest in acquiring the MQ-4C Triton unmanned aircraft by announcing the issuance of a Letter of Request (LOR) seeking further information from the US. Minister for Defence Stephen Smith and Minister for Defence Materiel Dr Mike Kelly said in a statement on May 16 that the LOR would give
Southwest becomes launch customer for MAX 7
US low-cost airline Southwest has become the launch customer the third member of the 737 MAX family – the MAX 7 – with an order for 30 of the type. The MAX 7 is based on the current 737-700. The aircraft will incorporate the CFM International LEAP-1B engines to deliver improved efficiency, extending the range
Global passenger growth continues
Airports in the Asia Pacific region recorded 9.3 per cent traffic growth year-on-year growth in March 2013, while those in the Middle East recorded 15.4 per cent growth, according to the Airports Council International. The March results bring total passenger traffic during the first quarter to 6.4 per cent year-on-year growth in Asia Pacific and
Budget reveals RAAF Orion retirement
The Australian Defence budget for 2013-14 released on Tuesday night reveals that a single RAAF P-3C Orion has been retired, with the operational fleet now at 18 aircraft. “One AP-3C has been retired”, a footnote to the ‘Air Force Deliverables (Flying Hours)’ table notes. Australian Aviation is seeking further details on the aircraft’s retirement.
GippsAero has announced it will restructure its business in a move that includes furloughing 40 personnel. In a curiously-worded news release from the Mahindra Aerospace-owned company, GippsAero said it was taking the decision to reduce the number of employees to “take full advantage of the exciting opportunities which face the general aviation industry.” Meanwhile the
Air New Zealand to appoint new chairman
Air New Zealand expects to appoint Tony Carter to replace long-serving John Palmer as its chairman as the New Zealand government reportedly considers reducing its 73 per cent stake in the airline. Carter will formally replace Palmer, who played a pivotal role together with former CEO Rob Fyfe to turn the airline’s fortunes around, at
