The World of Aviation

Diamond Aircraft has announced the successful first flight of its carbon composite built, twin-engine DA52. Diamond said its new flagship seven-seater reached an altitude of 12,000ft in less than nine minutes and a cruising speed of 190kt during the hour long flight. Diamond chairman Christian Dries called the aircraft “the best prototype aircraft I have

Virgin Australia has created a separate business division for its Velocity Frequent Flyer program and has appointed former Qantas executive Neil Thompson as CEO of the new branch. Virgin said the move reflected its increasing focus on its frequent flyer program. “The Velocity Frequent Flyer program is critical to Virgin Australia’s goal of becoming the

Angolan flag carrier TAAG Linhas Aereas de Angola – otherwise known as Angola Airlines — has ordered three Boeing 777-300ERs with options on three more, Boeing has announced. The West African airline said it would use the new aircraft to expand routes to Brazil, Portugal and elsewhere in Europe. The carrier currently operates three 777-200ERs

The long cherished dream of the flying car could be a commercial reality within the next year, according to a US company that last month completed the successful first flight of its “street-legal airplane.” The Transition, developed by Massachusetts based Terrafugia, features foldable wings, can be parked in a single car garage and can reach

Qantas has overhauled its checked baggage policy on international flights in a move that will benefit premium and frequent flyer passengers. Under the change, which applies to tickets issued after May 2, Qantas will shift from a weight-based to a piece-based system. That will result in less flexibility for some passengers, with the economy class

The Fair Work Ombudsman has filed legal action against Jetstar over allegations the Qantas-owned budget carrier paid trainee pilots in Australia under cheaper New Zealand contracts. The case centres on claims Jetstar employed six trainee pilots under New Zealand work conditions “when it was foreseeable the work they were to perform was predominately in Australia.”