The World of Aviation

AirAsia X has painted its newest A330-300 with a message to Malaysian authorities to allow it rights to fly to Sydney. Named Southern Xross, the aircraft has been painted with the ‘Liberate Sydney. End the monopoly’ message and also features a silhouette of the Sydney Opera House. The Malaysia based carrier has been denied permission

Airbus Military’s A330 Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) received Spanish military certification from the Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Aerospacial (INTA) on October 5, clearing the way for delivery of the first MRTT, to be designated KC-30A in RAAF service, later this year. The certification covers the military specific design and extensive modifications to the A330

The RAAF’s Air Lift Group (ALG) has restructured some of its elements in an effort to streamline management and basing within the FEG. Effective October 1, the Richmond based 37SQN and its roughly 20-strong C-130H/J fleet, previously under 86WG, now comes under the command of 84WG. With the C-130 training squadron, 285SQN, already under 84WG

The first of six C-130J Hercules for India made its first flight at Lockheed Martin’s Marietta, Georgia, facility on October 3. The aircraft will complete company and customer test and acceptance flights before being delivered in December.

The Indian Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) has approved the purchase of four more Boeing P-8I Poseidon maritime reconnaissance aircraft to add to the eight it already has on order.

Boeing’s vice president of sales and marketing Randy Tinseth has hinted that the company may push back a decision on a possible re-engining of the 737 Next Generation series from the northern autumn to next year after discussions with customers received mixed feedback. “It’s a very dynamic situation… earlier this year we said we’ll make