The World of Aviation

October’s Safeskies 2011 conference is expected to canvass a number of aviation-related safety issues, aimed at keeping industry representatives informed and up date on both present and future challenges for aviation in Australia. This year’s biennial event, which features a number of prominent military and civilian leaders, will be headlined by Federal Aviation Administration chief

Qantas CEO Alan Joyce has responded to union claims concerning job security in light of yesterday’s announcement of 1000 job losses as part of the extensive restructure of the airline’s international operations. Qantas will offer voluntary redundancies to 1000 staff, which reportedly includes approximately 500 cabin crew, 200 engineers and 180 pilots, as well as

Indonesian regional carrier PT Sky Aviation has ordered 12 Sukhoi Superjet 100/95Bs, in a deal worth US$379.2 million at list prices. The announcement follows an earlier Heads of Agreement signed between PT Sky and Sukhoi at this year’s Paris Airshow. Deliveries of the first Superjets are expected to begin in 2012.

Red Bull Air Racer Matt Hall has announced the start of an Australia-wide tour, giving crowds in up to six states a taste of the former RAAF fighter pilot’s dynamic aerobatic routine. Beginning this weekend, Hall will perform at Bundaberg’s Wide Bay International Airshow followed by the inaugural Ingham Wings and Wheels Airshow on September

Qantas has announced the “first phase” of changes to its international operations, which will see it further develop a long haul hub strategy based around 14 A380s and nine upgraded 747-400s and some consolidation of the international network, launch a new premium airline in an as yet undecided Asian hub to operate intra-Asian flights and

Air Lease Corporation (ALC) has confirmed an order for five Boeing 777-300ERs and 14 737-800s, plus options for four more in a deal worth US$2.5 billion at list prices. The order, which was previously attributed to an “unidentified customer” on Boeing’s Orders & Deliveries website, was originally announced at the Paris Airshow in June. ALC