The World of Aviation

The first F-22 Raptors have arrived at Hickam AFB in Hawaii where they will be permanently based with the 199th Fighter Squadron, 154th Air Wing, Hawaiian Air National Guard, and the active duty 19th FS, 15th AW. Twenty F-22s will replace F-15Cs at Hickam, with the F-15s being transferred to mainland reserve units. The F-22

The Canadian government has committed to the acquisition of 65 F-35A JSFs to replace its CF-18 Hornet fighters in service. The commitment comes at an expected cost of C$9bn (A$9.81bn) including spares, basing infrastructure, and training systems and materiel. Additional funding will be required to buy into a sustainment program for the aircraft. The Canadian

Virgin Blue and Skywest Airlines have signed a memorandum of understanding which will expand the relationship between the two airlines, allowing for more connections through regional WA. The first phase of the expanded agreement will see Virgin Blue codeshare on Skywest services to Albany, Esperance, Geraldton, Exmouth, Carnarvon, Monkey Mia and Kalbarri. Skywest will also

Air Lease Corporation, the new lessor headed by former ILFC CEO Steven Udvar-Hazy, has continued its buying spree, leading the orders announced on July 20, while ATR also had a major day. A summary of the announced sales is presented below: Air Lease Corporation ordered 54 737-800s with options on a further six. Air Lease

The Department of Defence is investigating the tender process for the provision of Air Sustainment Support to the Middle East Area of Operations after the incumbent, Strategic Aviation Group, raised concerns with the inspector-general of Defence. According to a statement issued by Defence on July 20, the secretary of Defence has directed the Chief Audit

Rio Tinto subsidiary Alcan has released a new lightweight aluminium alloy which could compete against advanced composites, particularly on new generation narrowbody aircraft. Called AirWare, the new line of alloys is up to 30 per cent lighter than current alloys thanks to its lower density and strength, which means that less material needs to be