The World of Aviation

DAHER-SOCATA has introduced an enhanced development of its TBM 850 turboprop for the 2012 model year with reconfigurable seats to increase cargo space for larger items. The TBM 850 Elite’s middle seats can be positioned in either a rearward or forward facing positions. With the TBM configured to seat four passengers (instead of the usual

Virgin Australia now offers a kerbside “premium valet” service for its passengers travelling through Brisbane’s domestic terminal. The service costs $55 for up to 14 hours and $65 for up to 24 hours. “All guests have the convenience of leaving their car with an attendant before stepping into an exclusive reception area. A dedicated check-in

Singapore-based Jetstar Asia has tapped a former chief financial officer as its new CEO. Barathan Pasupathi will take over on July 2, replacing Chong Phit Lian, who stepped down February 1 after six years heading the budget airline. Former Jetconnect head Paul Daff will serve as Jetstar Asia interim CEO until Barathan starts work. Barathan

Marking the end of an era, Singapore Airline’s Boeing 747-400 departed Melbourne for the final time on Sunday, fully booked. The flight brought to an end nearly four decades of 747 service by SIA, which used the now aged “Queen of the Skies” to establish itself as Australia’s largest foreign carrier and build a reputation

Qantas says efforts to reach a negotiated contract settlement with 3800 baggage handlers and other ground staff have collapsed as the union representing those workers continues to raise claims that Qantas plans to outsource its workforce. The dispute between Qantas and the Transport Workers Union was sent to compulsory arbitration before Fair Work Australia in

The F-35 Joint Strike Fighter has ticked off another first, with US Air Force test pilots completing a night refuelling mission last week at Edwards Air Force Base in California. Test aircraft AF-4, an F-35A conventional takeoff and landing variant, successfully rendezvoused with a KC-135 tanker during the three hour test mission, F-35 manufacturer Lockheed