The World of Aviation

Virgin Blue and Air New Zealand have cleared the final regulatory hurdle in gaining approval for their trans Tasman alliance, with New Zealand’s Ministry of Transport approving the deal, following Australian ACCC approval announced last week. “More sustainable competition, cost savings and the commitment both airlines have made to maintain trans-Tasman passenger numbers will be

Virgin Blue chief financial officer (CFO) Keith Neate has resigned with effect from March 31 next year. “The aviation industry is relentless and whilst I have thoroughly enjoyed my time in the role I am ready to give some time back to my family before pursuing other opportunities. I believe the Group is tremendously well

Jetstar has reinstated sacked First Officer Joe Eakins, after reaching an out of court settlement over his unfair dismissal case. “Following discussions directly with Jetstar, I am pleased to accept the airline’s offer to be reinstated and immediately return to my role as an A330 first officer,” Eakins said in a joint statement with Jetstar.

The fourth Airbus Military A400M development aircraft made its first flight on December 20, taking off from Seville, Spain, for a five hour 10 minute mission. The aircraft, dubbed Grizzly 4, the fourth of a planned five strong A400M test fleet, took off at a weight of 130 tonnes at 10.18am local time. It will

The C-17 Globemaster airlifter worldwide fleet has passed the two million flight hour milestone, manufacturer Boeing announced on December 20. Boeing says the two million hour mark – reached on a USAF C-17 airdrop mission in Afghanistan on December 10 – equates to 1.13bn nautical miles. Some 226 C-17s are in service, 206 with the

Boeing says it will lift the production rate for the 777 to 8.3 aircraft per month in the first quarter of 2013. “In response to strong customer demand globally, we are increasing our yearly production to 100 777s,” said Boeing Commercial Airplanes president and CEO Jim Albaugh. In March this year Boeing announced it would