Game on for Virgin Australia
Virgin Australia annual general meeting signalled Game On to its rivals as the first phase of the airline’s transformation comes to close and the second phase – certain to be of ongoing concern to domestic and international competitors – begins. Posting solid growth across all key commercial and financial indicators, Virgin Australia chairman Neil Chatfield
F-35A achieves max angle of attack
The F-35 Joint Strike Fighter flight test program has accomplished another milestone with a conventional takeoff and landing (CTOL) F-35A achieving the jet’s maximum 50-degree angle of attack. The goal was reached in only four test flights and breaks the previous 20 degree limit imposed on test aircraft until controllability was proven. Lockheed Martin said
Second NZ season confirmed for Sunshine Coast
Air New Zealand will operate a second season of nonstop services from the Sunshine Coast to Auckland. Twice-weekly services will operate between June 18 and October 13 2013 and follows the success of inaugural seasonal direct flights this year. The services, which are scheduled each Tuesday and Sunday, will be operated by A320s and will
Sydney regional ring fence at risk – again?
Chairman of Sydney Airport Corporation (SACL) Max Moore-Wilton has created ire in the regional communities by again questioning the ongoing guarantee of regional airline access at Sydney Airport. Under the so-called regional ring fence, regional airlines are assured a certain number of slots at Sydney Airport under legislation passed prior to the privatisation of the
Garuda returns to Brisbane
Garuda Indonesia will return to Brisbane from August 2013 after vacating the route three years ago as part of its drive to consolidate its financial position. The airline is now seeking to cash in on growth in travel demand between Australia and Indonesia, which in the first half of this year increased 20 per cent
Learjet 85 gets wings
The first Learjet 85 test aircraft has received its wings at Bombardier’s Wichita final assembly line. The Learjet 85 is being pitched at the mid-size market and will be the largest Learjet yet produced. It is expected to begin flight testing in the first half of 2013 towards certification and entry into service later in
