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It also offered Qantas the potential to have a very efficient three-type fleet, 380, 787, 737.

If as some suggest the 380 is such a lemon, then why have most of the world’s leading airlines ordered them, eg EK, SQ, QF and are very happy with them? And regardless of what anyone thinks, passengers love the aircraft!

White Paper to consider F-35Bs for LHDs

Brian says: The disbandment of RAN fixed-wing air was based on the premise that the RAAF would be able to support ships at sea.

It can’t.

It never will be able to.

Melbourne used to operate six-eight A-4s and four-six S-2Es (plus helicopters) with the mix changed dependent upon the mission.

Six F-35Bs per LHD, while not a lot, would provide cover and strike under most circumstances.

To me, it’s a no-brainer.

And have the RAN operate them out of Nowra so that it can train with the ships. The RAAF has proved reluctant over and over again. That’s why we rented the A-4s back from New Zealand.

Jetstar drops Perth-Lombok, Perth-Brisbane services

Stewart says: I’ve flown the Perth-Lombok flights several times already and

It probably makes good economic sense to only have one aircraft type, but some of their older Saabs are really showing their age.

it’s almost always nearly full. Even throughout the quiet wet season months of Feb‑April.

It’s as surprising as it is disappointing to hear Jetstar is suspending the service. I hope this is political posturing due to problems with Lombok’s airport operator, Angkasa Pura II due to its mishandling of the airport or BTDC due to its mishandling of the Mandalika Resort project.

First USAF F-35A squadron fully equipped

Darren says: Firstly it needs to get the 3F software, not the 2A it has, or the upcoming 2B, which are really only for training. Then the bugs for the radar need to be smoothed out, followed by datalinking. Also release for night flying at squadron level. There are lots of test points to go before it is released to battle.

Rex ranked best regional airline by Aviation Week

Ben says: I fly Rex frequently (I am flying them today actually). I have always found that its staff are friendly (some ground staff can be not quite so cheerful at times, but no different to Qantas or Virgin). Flight attendants are always cheerful (one even addressed every passenger by name throughout the flight). Its on-time performance is usually really good.

It could improve its fleet. Although it probably makes good economic sense to only have one aircraft type, some of its older Saabs are really showing their age – especially the interiors. The problem is there probably isn’t a viable new replacement in the same class (except maybe the ATR 42-600 – I’d be putting that on my wishlist if I was the Rex fleet planner).

Also sometimes its fares could be a bit cheaper, but then again it is the only airline flying on a lot of sectors. Without competition, it is at the end of the day in business to make money.