The World of Aviation

Kazakh carrier Air Astana has ordered four Boeing 767-300ERs and three 787 Dreamliners, Boeing has announced. Valued at $1.3 billion at list prices, the deal is the largest single order of commercial aircraft in Kazahstan’s history. Airbus Military, meanwhile, announced that Kazakhstan has ordered two C295 military transports for its air force. The deal includes

Japan has said it may cancel its F-35 orders if the jets rise in price or face further delays, as fallout continues over US plans to put off its own orders for the fighters. Japan has agreed to pay about US$123 million per plane under an initial order for four of the jets, which are

Qantas has launched an iPad version of its inflight magazine, The Australian Way. The free app is available for download from today and will include the magazine’s city guides and feature stories as well as additional video and photo content. The print magazine will still be available on all Qantas domestic and international flights. Qantas

Good news has rarely sounded so bad. Regional Express released first half financial results this week showing solid profits of $18.5 million but predicting a dismal future, with a “toxic” economic environment and “draconian” government policies conspiring against regional aviation. “The twin effects of the impending global economic slowdown and the federal government’s draconian policies

Likely seeking to tramp down concerns over its ability to support any C-27J transports purchased by Australia, Alenia Aermacchi and longtime partner L-3 Communications issued a statement today reiterating their commitment to “meeting the needs of the Commonwealth.” “The capability that the C-27J can provide for the Commonwealth is well suited to its operational requirements,”

The extent of the Air Australia debacle became clearer on Wednesday when it was revealed the failed budget carrier had just $442,000 in the bank and up to $90 million in debts when its house of cards collapsed on February 17. The airline’s abrupt end stranded some 4000 travellers overseas, and it now appears clear