Year: 2026

The federal and Victorian governments have released early designs for the Sunshine superhub, which will see a $4.1 billion investment to “untangle the complex rail junction” and create space for the much-delayed new airport rail link, which will join the Melbourne train network at the station.

This 10-seat, single-engine turbine powerhouse is confirmed to make its Australian debut at the RotorTech 2026 Vertical Flight Exposition, hosted by the Australian Helicopter Industry Association (AHIA) on the Gold Coast from 6-8 May. As the largest aircraft ever developed by the California-based manufacturer, the R88 is being hailed as the “ute of the sky,”

On this week’s Australian Aviation Podcast, Jake and David dig into the government’s business case for high-speed rail and discuss whether it will actually happen – and whether it would be friend or foe to the air transport sector.

The mission will see Hypersonix’s 3.5-metre DART AE hypersonic vehicle carried into the upper atmosphere aboard a HASTE rocket operated by Rocket Lab. The launch window opens at 4pm US Eastern Time on Wednesday, 25 February, corresponding to 7am AEDT on Thursday, 26 February.

The plans, signalled last year, will see the airport enlarge and modernise its international check-in and baggage claim halls; grow its terminal footprint with improved lounges, waiting areas and retail; and add five new gates to the existing international pier.

Researchers from Adelaide University have advanced developments of a newly designed system to protect unmanned aerial systems (UAS) from cyber threats such as hacking, signal interference, and malicious software attacks.