The World of Aviation

Qantas is launching express boarding lanes for premium customers across its main domestic ports. The airline said business class customers as well as Chairman’s Lounge members, oneworld Emerald members and Platinum Frequent Flyers will have the option to use the dedicated lanes when boarding Qantas domestic flights, mirroring the express lane service already available on international

Pilatus has delivered its 1100th PC-12 single engine turboprop. Launched in 1994, the PC-12 program has amassed some 3.3 million hours of operation in roles including executive transport, police and border surveillance and regional airliner, the Swiss aircraft maker said. The 1,100thPC-12 was delivered to US based Frontline Aviation.

Brisbane Airport general manager Stephen Goodwin has been elected chairman of the Australian Airports Association (AAA). In a statement, the association cited Goodwin’s broad experience in aviation over 14 years with the Brisbane Airport Corporation. Goodwin replaces John McArdle of Adelaide Airport, who has served as AAA chairman for the past nine years.

Jetstar today began operating its new daily Melbourne-Beijing services, which are routed via Singapore. Beijing becomes Jetstar’s 10th destination in China. The airline said the route, with introductory sale fares starting at AUD$399 one-way, would appeal to budget-conscious Australian tourists as well as the growing numbers of Chinese tourists visiting Australia. Jetstar also hopes the flights

Airbus has started assembling Thai Airways’ first A380. Thai will become the ninth operator of the A380 when it takes delivery in the third quarter of 2012, Airbus says. The airline has firm orders for six A380s and will fly the aircraft on routes between Bangkok and Europe.

Darwin Airport is set to receive a pair of Explosive Trace Detection machines by the end of the year. The $100,000 machines come as part of $200 million federal government initiative to beef up airport security that will fund a raft of new measure including full body scanners, multi-view X-ray machines and additional security dogs.