In its Australian Aviation Network Overview report for May 2026, Airservices Australia said that while aviation had shown “ongoing resilience and flexibility” during the Iran conflict, the war had caused “real pressure on the sector” as it stretched past 100 days.

The contracts will see General Atomics produce the YFQ-42A and Anduril manufacture the YFQ-44A, creating the first operational fleet of autonomous combat aircraft designed to fly alongside crewed fighters as part of a next-generation “human-machine team”.

The Series B capital raise, led by existing and new investors, comes as the New Zealand-founded aerospace company accelerates development of its Aurora spaceplane and expands its growing satellite propulsion business.

Qantas Group CEO Vanessa Hudson revealed the news at Airbus’ factory in Toulouse, alongside the livery of the Flying Kangaroo’s first A350-1000ULR, VH-OJA, which will be dubbed “Vega”. Sydney-London will be followed by Sydney-New York, with London services to go on sale in February.

Pilots will receive a 3 per cent wage increase per year for the next four years after nearly 56.5 per cent of those who voted supported the deal, which also includes rostering improvements and new part-time arrangements. It will cover around 1,250 pilots at the airline.

On this week’s Australian Aviation Podcast, Jake and David arm doors and cross-check as Western Sydney Airport finally begins taxiing out and prepares for its take-off roll.