The World of Aviation

The RAAF made its last heavy airdrop from the C-130H Hercules when a 10-tonne bulldozer was delivered by parachute extraction into the Londonderry Drop Zone in northwestern Sydney on October 31. The exercise was part of a trial to certify the bulldozer, a type under evaluation by the Australian Army, as suitable for airdrops. Commanding

Qantas has unveiled a Boeing 737-800 sporting a moustache to mark Mowvember. Supporting awareness of prostate cancer and men’s mental health via the airline’s partnership with the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia, the promotion was launched by the Qantas Wallabies.

Jetstar carried its 100 millionth passenger on October 31, marking a significant milestone in the airline’s eight and half years of flying. In doing so, Jetstar becomes one of the fastest growing airline brands in the world, now carrying approximately 20 million passengers a year to 60 destinations in 16 countries with a fleet of

Virgin Australia shareholder Etihad Airways has placed orders for two more Airbus A330-200s in a deal worth US$418 million at current list prices. The Rolls-Royce Trent-powered aircraft will be delivered in January and March 2014 respectively.  They will be configured with 22 lie-flat business class and 240 economy seats and will operate throughout the airline’s

Aviation Capital Services, a subsidiary of State Corporation Russian Technologies (Rostech) has announced commitments for 35 737 MAX aircraft, representing the first order for the MAX series from Russia. The aircraft, valued at US$3 billion at current list prices, will be placed with Aviation Capital Services for onward leasing to Russian airlines, which will operate

Air New Zealand has taken delivery of its first ATR 72-600, ordered  under an October 2011 contract for seven firm aircraft plus options for another five. The aircraft, painted in a striking all-black livery in support of the country’s rugby union team, will enter service in early November between Christchurch and Wellington. The ATR 72-600s will