Jake Nelson

The ACCC said both Qantas Frequent Flyer in August this year and Velocity since June 2023 have “generally increased the number of points required to book certain flights”.

In its latest Domestic Airline Competition report, the consumer and competition watchdog found total seats flown by major domestic airlines in June 2025 were 2.8 per cent lower than the same period in 2019, despite passenger numbers now tracking similarly to pre-pandemic figures.

The first National General Aviation (GA) Culture and Wellbeing Survey, conducted by Navigating Aviation, found 76 per cent of current GA workers are concerned about mental health issues in the industry and 59 per cent believe there is a “culture of silence” preventing them from speaking up.

The one-way agreement, which began on Monday, will see Qantas customers able to book and connect to flights operated by Sharp to a number of regional locations in Victoria and Tasmania, including to King and Flinders Islands.

Stephen Forshaw, the planemaker’s chief representative for Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific, said the government should impose a SAF blending mandate of around 1 to 2 per cent in order to stimulate biofuel production, give Australia more sovereign fuel reserves, and cut emissions.

The “Eastern Express” service, launching on 31 August, will connect the airport with Box Hill Central via Watsonia and Doncaster, while the “Sunshine Express” starting 9 November will connect the airport directly with Brimbank for the first time.