The World of Aviation

Melbourne Airport has reported that a record 27.7 million passengers passed through its terminals last year, thanks in part to a strong December. The 27.7 million passenger figure represents a 10 per cent increase over 2009 passenger numbers, bolstered partly by a 14 per cent increase in international arrivals in 2010, to 5.9 million international

European turboprop manufacturer ATR booked 80 orders for new aircraft in 2010, plus options for 33, and turnover of US$1.35 billion, leaving it well placed on the path to its goal of achieving yearly deliveries of around 70 aircraft and annual turnover of US$1.8 billion from 2012. CEO Filippo Bagnato said he was “delighted” by

An Airbus Military A330 Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT), one of five on order for the RAAF as the KC-30A, suffered the partial loss of its air-to-air refuelling boom over the Atlantic Ocean on January 19. The incident happened while the first of five KC-30As bound for the RAAF – and the first A330 MRTT

In releasing its 2011 price list, Airbus has detailed the price of the A320neo (New Engine Option) as being on average US$6.2 million more than for standard A320 Family series aircraft. The prices, which represent a 4.4 per cent increase on 2010 list prices, comprise: A318 US$65.2m; A319 US$77.7m; A320 US$85.0m; A321 US$99.7m; A319/A320/A321 new engine option average US$6.2m; A330-200 US$200.8m;

Air New Zealand has bought at least a five per cent stake in new alliance partner Virgin Blue, as part of plans to buy a 15 per cent stake in Australia’s number 2 airline. “The investment in Virgin Blue is part of Air New Zealand’s strategy to develop scale and reach in this region,” said

Hainan Airlines has become the fifth Chinese airline to fly into Sydney, with its new Sydney-Shenzhen-Hangzhou service landing in Sydney on January 20. “Hainan Airlines is a fast growing airline with an extensive domestic network across China.  The commencement of services by Hainan Airlines is great news for Sydney and demonstrates again the significant economic contribution that the airport