Adam Thorn

Australia currently has 10 Spartans operated by No. 35 Squadron from RAAF Base Amberley, which now focuses on peacetime operations such as search and rescue and aeromedical operations.

This annual In-Focus edition examines engineering and maintenance in aviation as both the civilian and military sectors encounter post-pandemic problems. Firstly, Liam McAneny examines our never-ending engineering skill shortage. What, he asks top industry figures, are the causes? Why does the problem not seem to improve? And how can the sector encourage the best from abroad

Carbon fibre composites manufacturer Quickstep is set to work with Defence to identify the materials necessary to build hypersonic weapons. The business’ CEO, Mark Burgess, explains how it will work.

However, there was positive news as aircraft remained at near-record levels of being full. So-called ‘seat utilisation’ was at 83 per cent – a similar level as 2019 and only 3 per cent lower than in July.

The interline service agreement, first announced earlier this year, means passengers can connect between the airlines and use a single bag drop.

Speaking at an American Chamber of Commerce event on Monday, Joyce warned its reintroduction would “take us back to the 80s” and hamper innovation.