Jake Nelson

The Gulf carrier has applied for leave to appeal to Australia’s highest court after the Full Federal Court overturned a lower court’s ruling that it could not be sued by five Australian women over their ordeal, which took place at Hamad International Airport in October 2020.

VH-NWJ, a Cessna 208B operated by East Air, was returning to Lizard Island on 8 January 2024 with nine passengers on board after the pilot noticed a significant uncommanded increase in engine power, but overshot the runway, flipped over and came to rest 127 metres away.

The airline had pleaded guilty over accusations of discouraging customers from seeking compensation for delayed or cancelled flights, and of denying legitimate claims, in 2022 and 2023. It could be fined around NZ$2.5 million with a 25 per cent uplift, minus any potential discounts.

ANA, which currently flies three weekly return services from Perth to Narita, will increase to seven weekly services between 1 December 2025 and 19 April 2026, adding an estimated 19,200 additional inbound seats to WA over the period.

The RTAHC, which was closed for renovations in 2020, opened its doors again on 14 August as part of the 80th anniversary celebrations of Victory in the Pacific, with its first public open day on the following Sunday.

Speaking exclusively to Australian Aviation, Koala CEO Bill Astling said the initial three planes are likely to be built in around July or August next year, with the launch date for the airline depending on their delivery.