The World of Aviation

Virgin Australia has expanded its codeshare agreement with Air New Zealand, adding its code to an additional 17 routes across New Zealand. The move, which follows regulatory reauthorisation of the trans-Tasman alliance between the airlines, and adds to existing trans-Tasman codeshares and some domestic services. The trans-Tasman alliance between Virgin Australia and Air New Zealand

The European Union is set to ignite a fresh diplomatic row following its decision to re-implement the controversial Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) to all international flights within EU airspace. The European Commission last year suspended the scheme for international carriers in the face stiff opposition from Chinese and US authorities. The publication of the EU

The second A350 to fly, MSN3, has completed its first flight, in a sortie that lasted around five hours. Like MSN1, which flew for the first time in June and has since accumulated 330 flight test hours over 70 flights, the second A350 has no cabin fitout, but is equipped with heavy flight test installation.

As Christchurch continues to rebuild after the tragic earthquake of February 2011, demand for business travel to the city is seeing increases in domestic services. Air New Zealand this week added significant capacity between Christchurch and several regional ports. Flights between New Plymouth and Christchurch will more than double, with 14 additional Bombardier Q300 services

Perth continues to attract growing international interest, with low-cost airline Scoot the latest to add services to the city. Becoming the airline’s third Australian destination, Scoot will begin its five-weekly services on December 19. The flights will depart Perth at 1930 and arrive at Singapore at 0045, with the return service departing Singapore at 1250

Qantas this week adds its 68th 737-800 as part of the airline’s fleet renewal and simplification strategy that has seen 123 new aircraft added to the fleet in just over four years. The new aircraft brings the airline’s fleet strength to 314. The average age of Qantas aircraft is now 7.9 years. The latest 737-800