The World of Aviation

Singapore Airlines boosted its passenger load factor during September on the back of slashed capacity. The airline’s passenger load factor increased by four percentage points to 80.9 per cent over September 2008, as capacity was cut by 12.5 per cent, helping to offset a 7.9 per cent decline in RPKs. Total passenger numbers declined by

Air New Zealand has announced new lead-in and fully flexible fare products for its domestic services as it works to shore up its strong position over competitors Jetstar and Pacific Blue. From October 19, the airline introduced Smart Saver fares as its new lead-in fare product, which will also be available on regional flights, in

Newcastle Airport officially opened its $4 million terminal expansion on October 19. The expanded terminal, which is on the western side of the current passenger terminal, opens up an additional 750 square metres of premium office space on level one, while also providing five more check-in counters and additional check-in area. The CEO of Newcastle

Pilatus has successfully flown the first of 35 South African Air Force PC-7 Mk.II advanced trainers to have undergone a  comprehensive avionics upgrade. The upgrade sees the aircraft fitted with a digital ‘glass’ cockpit replacing obsolete and difficult to support analogue equipment to see the aircraft through to their planned withdrawal from service date. The

Egypt has formally requested the purchase of 24 F-16C/D Block 50/52s and associated spares and weapons to the value of US$3.2bn (A$3.5bn). The FMS deal would include six spare GE or P&W engines, radars, EW systems, reconnaissance pods, targeting pods and conformal fuel tanks. The sale request has been submitted to the US Congress for

Lockheed Martin has appointed Christopher E Kubasik to the position of president and COO. The appointment was announced by company CEO and chairman Bob Stevens who said Kubasik will “take operational excellence to an even higher level as we support our customers in their global security missions.” The appointment is effective January 1 2010.