The Royal Australian Air Force’s biggest exercise is set to take place in the Top End next month, seeing 19 allied nations joining the three-week effort involving combat scenario exercises, regional support and interoperability.

The six months to 28 March saw 90 per cent of allocated slots flown, with a further five per cent unable to be used due to circumstances beyond the airlines’ control such as weather and the Middle East conflict, the slot manager said in its full season report.

In its latest Domestic Airline Competition report, the competition and consumer watchdog noted the ambitions of the two newcomers to launch domestic services within the next two years, saying it would be good news for passengers in a currently highly uncompetitive market.

The inaugural JQ195 service from Brisbane arrived in Queenstown at 12:40pm Monday aboard A320-200 VH-VFH, marking the beginning of a route that will run three times per week until October. It is Jetstar’s fourth direct trans-Tasman route launch in under a year.

Now in its fourth year and backed by Principal Partner UNSW Sydney, the awards shine a spotlight on the people and businesses driving Australia's aviation industry forward. From hundreds of entries, 164 finalists have made the cut.

The regional carrier will no longer stop at Orange en route between Sydney and Parkes on morning and evening flights from 21 June to 15 August, though midday services will continue. It follows a Rex Saab 340B being forced to turn back to Sydney last week due to safety concerns.