Inbox

Darren says: Multi Role Tanker Transport. That is what a KC-30 is supposed to be. It would be ideal to have more KC-30s in the role of VIP transports with main deck cargo/passenger and tanking.

Defence downselects Heli-copter Aircrew Training Sys-tem bidders

John N says: It will be interesting to see which of the three contenders comes up with the best overall package. On the one hand you have the EC135, an older but very widely-used aircraft. On the other hand, the much more modern and newer Bell 429, which currently only has one military operator, the RAN with three leased examples.

Qantas invests more in WA as competition mounts

Ryan says: What about international? Doesn’t Qantas want to expand its international from Perth? We’ve only got one. It’s always about the eastern states, never about WA at all.

Razza says: Yep Qantas you really do care about Perth, down to one token international service in your own right and let us see if you are truly committed to Perth once the boom dies down.

BH says: As many people have said here before; Qantas would have removed international services from Perth because of low demand. If a lot of people actually buy Qantas international fares then they will increase services to cope with demand. They don’t remove services just because they feel like it, there’s always a $$$ reason.

A400M and C295W to be pitched to NZ

Pez says: Eight to 10 C-295s split 50/50 transport and MPA and 4 A400Ms would be a very capable fleet. Perhaps, like I think LM did when they offered the -130J to NZ, it could be managed as part of a potential larger RAAF fleet. I wouldn’t be surprised to see a hard sell from EADS to replace our and NZ’s Hercs from around 2020/2022 onwards.

Williams Foundation launches enquiry into drones

Darren says: UAVs are an excellent force multiplier, they have some unique capabilities and have their place in the Order of Battle, but they are not the be all and end all to manned aircraft. The employment of UAV’s, both military and civilian, needs to be discussed broadly.

Qantas completes 767 cabin refresh

SYD-Liam says: Considering Qantas is a premium airline – this is a poor make over. I flew on it recently and you could tell the aircraft was old but heavily tarted up.

James from Sydney says: So many people keep forgetting Qantas is a business. It needs to focus on the product that will make it money over the next decade with emphasis on the Asian market. They have obviously decided that Jetstar is the best product to achieve that. People are moving away from Qantas because of the high costs and there is only so much the premium brand can do.

The employment of UAVs, both military and civilian needs to be discussed broadly.