The World of Aviation

Australia’s fifth Boeing C-17 Globemaster airlifter could be in service as soon as the third quarter of this year, according to Deputy Chief of Air Force AVM Geoff Brown. Defence Minister Stephen Smith announced plans to acquire the fifth C-17 on the eve of this month’s Avalon Airshow, with the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency

Airbus Military has approved the industrial launch of its A400M airlifter, signalling the start of series production. A total of four series aircraft will be produced by Airbus in 2012, with the production rate to be gradually increased to 2.5 aircraft per month by 2015. That follows a thorough review of all aspects of the

Federal minister for Infrastructure and Transport, Anthony Albanese, has announced the appointment of Peter Fitzgerald as the new chair of the Sydney Airport Community Forum (SACF). The appointment of Fitzgerald to SACF chair follows the resignation of Barry Cotter, who leaves the post after three years of service. Fitzgerald, a local resident and long-term member

Boeing has begun final assembly of the first US Navy P-8A Poseidon production aircraft at the company’s Renton factory in Washington. The first of six low-rate initial production (LRIP) aircraft,  the start of final assembly follows Spirit AeroSystems’ delivery of the P-8A fuselage via rail car to Boeing on March 7. “Our team has built

Lessor ILFC has dropped its order for 10 Airbus A380s, instead signing an MoU for 100 A320neos, plus it has also finalised a firm order for 33 Boeing 737-800s. After deferring its A380 deliveries last year by a year, ILFC’s decision to drop its A380 order has surprised few. The cancellation leaves A380 firm orders

Up to 8000 extra seats per week will be made available to both Australian and Chinese airlines, following the signing of a new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between both countries. The MOU will enable airlines based in Australia and China to immediately offer up to 18,500 seats per week and from February 2012, 22,500 seats.