Adam Thorn

The original aircraft was damaged beyond repair while taking off over the Nellis Test and Training Range in Nevada in preparation for the start of Exercise Red Flag 18-1.

The long-planned move follows Sydney Airport’s CEO claiming this month that the domestic aviation recovery has been “stagnant” since April last year and appearing to blame airlines for holding back capacity.

More than 1,500 FAAA members voted in favour of the agreement that will only increase work hours from 9.45 to 10 hours – rather than the 12 hours sought by the Flying Kangaroo. Rest periods will also be maintained.

The new A330 service operates four times a week and now travels to the closer Haneda Airport rather than its pre-COVID destination of Narita.

A safety investigation has revealed it took air traffic control 15 minutes to provide a forecast for an alternate airport to land at – a crucial delay that made a diversion impossible.

The arrangement between the two airlines was first agreed upon in 2013, but was due to expire on 31 March 2023. The pair are ultimately seeking to extend it for another five years.