The World of Aviation

Defence Minister Stephen Smith has announced the consolidation of RAAF F/A-18A/B ‘classic’ Hornet refurbishment projects into a new combined program with a cost capped $250-300 million budget. “This combined program is estimated to result in savings of more than $500 million over the previously planned approach, but deliver the same enhanced capability result,” the Minister

Two Conair Convair CV580 firebombers arrived at Ballarat, Victoria, last week to take up duty for the 2010-11 fire season. The Convairs, C-FKFA and C-GYXC, as well as three Air Tractor 802s and a Turbo Commander 690, have been leased by the Victorian state government, and will be based at Avalon.

Command of the RAAF’s Air Lift Group (ALG) officially transferred from Air Commodore John Oddie to Air Commodore Gary Martin on December 15. AIRCDRE Oddie had been Commander ALG since December 2008, and in early 2011 will take up the position of Deputy Commander of Joint Task Force 633 in the Middle East Area of

Boeing says it will launch a spare parts inventory management system using technologies such as RFID (radio frequency identification devices) and contact memory buttons (CMBs) in the first quarter of 2012, after signing a strategic alliance with Fujitsu. Under the deal Fujitsu will provide Boeing with automated identification technology devices, device readers, software applications and

The Swiss air force has ordered two further Pilatus PC-21s for its Jet Pilot Training System. The Swiss air force took delivery of six PC-21s in 2008, and since 2009, pilots have transferred directly to the F/A-18 from the PC-21 after basic training on the PC-7. The 30m Swiss franc (A$31.5m) deal was signed on

Jetstar began Airbus A330 long haul operations from Singapore on December 16, launching its new daily service to Melbourne. The new A330-200 flights are a result of Jetstar’s plans to develop Singapore into a major hub as part of its ‘Pan Asian’ strategy. “This approach has us well placed to best participate in the fast