The World of Aviation

Airbus parent EADS has announced delivery of the composite-built A350-900 jetliner has been delayed by six months. Delivery of the widebody jet is now slated to begin in the first half of 2014, with Airbus attributing the delays to late arriving parts. “Maturity of the A350 XWB main components at final assembly start remains one

Virgin Australia will add some 16,000 additional seats on routes popular with holidaymakers this summer. The extra capacity comes as Virgin seeks to capitalise on the turmoil surrounding Qantas. The bulked up summer schedule will include seasonal direct flights between Brisbane and Launceston in Tasmania, with six return flights per week from December 12 to

A $1.6 million instrument landing system was officially commission last week at Wagga Wagga Airport. The ILS went into service in December 2010 following a seven month construction and testing phase. The system was funded largely by the federal government, with contributions from Airservices Australia, Wagga Wagga City Council and Regional Express.

Air Force One isn’t set to arrive in Australia until Wednesday, but the Obama entourage is already on the ground. US military cargo jets have been seen arriving in Canberra in recent days, with a C-17 Globemaster touching down on Saturday and again on Monday, and a C-5 Galaxy arriving on Sunday. Among other things,

Though both sides remain at the table, there is little sign of progress as Qantas and its unions near the deadline to resolve their industrial dispute. The October 31 ruling by Fair Work Australia gave the two sides 21 days to reach agreement or face binding arbitration, although Fair Work could also extend the deadline

Tenders are now being called for half a dozen ex Army Bell UH-1H Iroquois the government is offering to historical organisations interested in displaying the craft. Organisations wishing to display the aircraft can  download application materials after registering on the AUSTENDER website www.tenders.gov.au citing reference DMOFD/RFO117/2011. The tender will close on January 27 2012. Priority