Contract loss sparks job losses at Qantas
The loss of a multi-million dollar contract at airports across Australia will likely result in the loss of Qantas ground handling jobs. Qantas is seeking voluntary redundancies in the wake of losing the Air New Zealand ground handling contract for check in and baggage services at Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth. From March Toll
Second F-35A reaches 500 hours
A second F-35A Joint Strike Fighter has achieved 500 hours of flight testing. AF-1 – the first conventional takeoff and landing test aircraft – reached in the milestone in 272 flights. Lockheed Martin reports to date that the F-35A has completed 43 per cent of its overall test program. Combined the three F-35 variants have achieved
First C-130H being readied for Indonesia
The first former RAAF C-130H is being prepared for transfer to the Indonesian air force. Photographed by H-model fan Joshua Williams at RAAF Base Richmond, A97-006 was seen departing the base on a test flight following deep-level maintenance. With evidence of significant work having been performed on the aircraft by Qantas Defence Services, it is
F-22 to fly at Avalon
The USAF has confirmed the F-22 Raptor will conduct its first ever aerial display at the Australian International Airshow in February-March. The F-22 will be flown by F-22 Raptor Aerial Demonstration Team Chief Major Henry ‘Schadow’ Schantz from Langley Air Force Base, Virginia. “This is a really special aircraft and it was so exciting to get it to
Embraer and AgustaWestland join forces in Latin America
Embraer and AgustaWestland have signed a memorandum of understanding to establish a joint-venture company to produce AgustaWestland helicopters in Brazil. The aircraft would be marketed to commercial and military operators. The two companies said preliminary studies show strong potential for twin-engine, medium-lift helicopters in the offshore oil and gas market. AgustaWestland’s CEO Bruno Spagnolini said:
F-35C completes first inflight dual refuelling
Two F-35C test aircraft have performed dual refuelling with a KC-130 for the first time. Test aircraft CF-1 and CF-2 completed the exercise as part of a 1,000-hour flight test program scheduled for 2013. Later this year Eglin Air Force Base will receive its first F-35C aircraft, joining the F-35 pilot and maintainer training program there.
