The World of Aviation

Qantas chairman Leigh Clifford told investors at the company’s AGM in Perth on October 21 that while the global economic outlook remained uncertain, the airline was “seeing some encouraging signs and certainly no further deterioration.” “The Qantas Group is well positioned to withstand this period of downturn with the strengths of its two flying brands,

Viva Macau has announced that it will fly direct twice a week to Melbourne from December 9, making it the second destination in Australia to be served by the low cost carrier. “These new services will benefit Victorians who will be able to take advantage of more travel options and great prices. In addition these

Tiger Airways Australia has announced that it will launch a daily flight between Sydney and the Gold Coast from December 15, with fares starting from $39 one way. “We are thrilled to provide an affordable air travel alternative for families and Tiger Airways customers who wish to fly between Sydney and the Gold Coast in

Any Australian purchase of the MH-60R ‘Romeo’ naval helicopter would be accompanied by a A$1 billion ‘Australian Industry Capability’ package, while the aircraft could be available for delivery in the fourth quarter of 2011, ‘Team Romeo’ officials told media in Canberra on October 22. The Lockheed Martin/Sikorsky MH-60R is one of two contenders for the

Virgin Blue has announced that it will add five additional weekly frequencies on its Perth-Port Hedland route from November 16. The new services will depart Perth at 0600 each weekday, arriving in Port Hedland at 0805, with the return service departing half an hour later and arriving back in Perth at 1035. The services will

South African Airways has cut its lead-in fares on flights to Johannesburg, Durban and Cape Town to $1741 from Perth, $1795 from Adelaide and $1961 from the east coast. The fares are available until November 30 for travel from October 21-November 30, January 16-March 31 and August 1-November 30. “People can travel from any city