Jake Nelson

The flights, operating three times per week on A320neo aircraft, commenced on Friday evening and will add more than 58,000 seats on the route per year. It comes as the carrier stations two A320neos on the Gold Coast, bringing the local fleet to six of the aircraft type.

Sources said to be “familiar with the discussions” told The Australian that the office of Transport Minister Catherine King had lobbied Virgin to take over the stricken carrier earlier this year, but found no success. It comes as Rex marks one year of its voluntary administration.

Food Standards Australia and New Zealand (FSANZ) has approved a regulatory amendment to allow pets in cabins while food and drink are being served.

All arrivals are now entering through the new terminal as of this week, ahead of the previously-scheduled August opening date. It comes as Newcastle prepares for a full opening of the terminal to accommodate the beginning of international services in October.

Nikhil Ravishankar, who has been at the airline for almost five years, will succeed Foran when he leaves the post on 20 October. According to Air New Zealand, during his tenure Ravishankar has led major advances in the airline’s technology, Airpoints loyalty scheme, and customer proposition.

The Federal Court ordered Webjet to pay the penalties after it admitted to making false or misleading statements about the price of flights and booking confirmations between 2018 and 2023, having advertised prices that excluded compulsory fees.