Lockheed Martin has proclaimed a successful test flight and verification year for weapons integration following the successful employment of a GBU-32 JDAM from an F-35B’s internal weapons bay against a fixed ground test target. The F-35B aircraft, BF-18, launched from the Air Force Flight Test Center at Edwards Air Force Base was piloted by US Marine
Air Canada has announced an agreement with Boeing for the purchase of up to 109 737 MAXs across commitments, options and rights. The order was announced as part of the airline’s mainline narrowbody fleet renewal plan, which will replace Air Canada’s existing Airbus narrowbody fleet. When finalised the firm order for 61 737 MAX 8s
Jetstar has opted to cease the unprofitable Gold Coast-Osaka route to enable a new non-stop service between Melbourne and Tokyo (Narita). The Gold-Coast-Osaka route, which operates three times weekly, will cease May 8, 2014. The company said the decision fits with Jetstar’s strategy to ensure it deploys aircraft on routes that meet market demand and to
Virgin Australia has announced it will open a new aircraft engineer apprenticeship program. The new program will open up to 32 aircraft maintenance, mechanical and avionic apprenticeships at the airline over the next four years. The successful applicants will be trained in Melbourne and Brisbane, working on some of the world’s most advanced technology, including repairing,
Eurocopter has commenced a demonstration visit to Australia of its EC130T2, prior to delivery to its new owner and launch customer. The single-engine helicopter is an advancement on the EC130B4, with more than 70 per cent of the airframe modified from the existing B4 model. The T2 features a more powerful Arriel 2D turboshaft engine and
Hawker Pacific has announced the first sale of the Bell 407GX to a private Australian customer. The sale comes on the back of a region-wide demonstration tour. The aircraft is expected for delivery in early 2014 and will be based in Sydney for corporate and VIP operations. The aircraft will be customised and maintained by
