The World of Aviation

US Airways and United Airlines are reportedly in deep discussions over a possible merger according to media reports from the US, although any formal announcement is likely to be some weeks off. According to an article in the New York Times citing “people briefed in the matter”, the two airlines are working on setting a

Hong Kong Airlines has confirmed an order for six Airbus A330-200s, firming up a memorandum of understanding announced at the Singapore Air Show earlier this year. The new aircraft will be powered by Pratt & Whitney PW4000 engines, and brings the number of A330s on order for the carrier to 23.

Two pilots from Bendigo will take on a round-the-world flight in a Gippsland Aeronautics GA8-TC to commemorate the centenary of powered flight in Australia, as well as to raise funds and awareness to fight malaria. Ken Evers, 33, and Tim Pryse 51, will depart from Bendigo Aerodrome on May 8 bound for Norfolk Island on

Jetstar has carried its one millionth domestic New Zealand passenger since it replaced Qantas’s domestic New Zealand services in June 2009. “One million passengers have flown with Jetstar across our New Zealand routes between Auckland, Christchurch, Wellington and Queenstown. That’s equivalent to one Kiwi in four choosing to fly with Jetstar in just 10 months

The sixth F-35 JSF development aircraft made its first flight from Lockheed Martin’s Fort Worth facility on April 7. The aircraft, an F-35B dubbed BF-4, is the first of the planned 20 development aircraft to be fitted with a mission system and sensor suite, and Block 0.5 flight software. Sensors fitted include an APG-81 AESA

Virgin Blue and Virgin America have signed an agreement which will allow access from each carrier’s loyalty programs, as well as a cabin crew exchange program between the two carriers. As a result, Velocity members will be able to earn and redeem points on Virgin America services, while members of that airline’s Elevate program will