The World of Aviation

The Sikorsky-Lockheed Martin MH-60R ‘Romeo’ has been selected ahead of the NH90 NFH to fulfill Defence’s Air 9000 Phase 8 requirement to replace the Navy’s current S-70B Seahawks and the capability gap left by the cancelled SH-2G(A) Seasprites, Defence Minister Stephen Smith announced today. Twenty-four Romeos will be acquired under the $3 billion dollar program,

Qantas, Jetstar and Virgin Australia have resumed all domestic services as the ash cloud from Chile’s Puyehue-Cordon Caulle volcano begins to dissipate over Perth, whie Air New Zealand has announced that it will now resume flights from New Zealand’s lower South Island this afternoon. The news comes after Qantas, Jetstar and Virgin cancelled flights to Perth yesterday

Lockheed Martin the F-35 flight test program has now achieved 411 flights so far this year. From the beginning of 2011 until May 31, the F-35 accomplished 378 flights and 3342 test points, ahead of the planned figures of 297 flights and 2217 test points respectively. Milestones for the program includie F-35B STOVL jet BF-1

Boeing has announced that it will increase its 737 production rate to 42 aircraft per month by the first half of 2014. Currently building 737s at the rate of 31.5 per month, Boeing intends to reach 35 per month by early 2012, 38 a month in the second quarter of 2013, and then 42 per

The Indian Ministry of Defence has finalised its much anticipated order for 10 Boeing C-17 Globemaster III transports, which makes India the world’s largest export customer for the type, with deliveries due to take place in 2013-14. India’s finalised order follows US Congress FMS approval of the deal in May, with the Indian Air Force

Regional Express (Rex) has announced the retirement of managing director Jim Davis, effective July 1. Rex says Davis won’t be directly replaced, with his responsibilities “largely assumed” by Chris Hine, who took on the role of chief operating officer of Rex on March 1. Davis, a former chief pilot with Rex predecessor Hazelton Airlines, has