DirectorPhillip Tarrant

EditorAdam Thorn

Business Development Manager

Head of StrategyAndrew Scott

Sub EditorSinead Reilly

Graphic DesignerJack Townsend

ContributorsEric Allen, Tony Arbon, Steve Campbell, Aero Circus, Daniel Croft, Hannah Dowling, Kirsty Ferguson, Seth Jaworski, Emma McDonald, Casey Martin, Craig Murray, Victor Pody, Jonathan Roberts, Alexander Robinson, Kevin Sprake, Renee Wilson

Issue 387: Virgin Orbit, Qantas 747s & Little Wings

This issue, we begin with a genuine world exclusive with Virgin Orbit, one of the biggest names in the space and aviation industries. When I speculatively approached the business for an interview, I did so in the hope it would throw me the bone of a lowly spokesman. I was gobsmacked therefore, when I was invited for a video call with the its CEO, Dan Hart. For those unaware, Orbit is known for launching satellites not from rockets – but 747s. It works because the Queen of the Skies has a little-known ability attach a fifth engine, enabling it to carry a rocket with a small modification. In fact, the exact aircraft Orbit is using, named Cosmic Girl, used to be an active member of Virgin Atlantic’s fleet , flying from London to New York.

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Our chat was an intriguing peak at the future of the industry, as we see a blurring of the divide between drones, aircraft and spaceships. As these type of innovative projects – from drone delivery to hypersonic vehicles and electric aircraft – progress, we’re going to have to think harder about how we manage them all in the sky. But for now, Virgin Orbit isn’t letting them hold them back, with a launch imminently planned for the UK, in Cornwall, before a future blast off from Toowoomba Wellcamp airport here in Australia in 18 months.

Elsewhere in 387, Jim Eames tells the story of how Qantas beat British Airways to fly a 747 from London to Sydney in 1989. While it’s a tale that’s been told before, Eames explains the backstage politics and wrangling as the Flying Kangaroo worked in secret to steal a march on its Pommy rival. Finally, we also have another fantastic dispatch from Eric Allen, revealing how Qantas transitioned to the jet age; Hannah Dowling investigates how and why Aussie pilots are leaving for the US; and Kirsty Ferguson, a recruitment specialist, explains how to conquer your next job interview.

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