Jake Nelson

The carrier, which currently operates three A320-200s inherited from former low-cost arm Tigerair, has been gradually phasing out the aircraft type to simplify its fleet, with Virgin Australia Regional Airlines (VARA) jet operations being taken over by Boeing 737s and the new Embraer E190-E2s.

The WSI metro, which runs from St Marys to the Bradfield “aerotropolis” via the new airport, stretches for 23 kilometres with six stations along its length. Focus will now turn to fitting out tunnels and viaducts ahead of train testing.

Based at Perth’s Jandakot Airport, VH-AW2 was funded by mining billionaire Gina Rinehart through her Rinehart Medical Foundation and Hancock Iron Ore, and is the first PC-12 PRO to join RFDS WA as part of a fleet renewal program.

Flight FJ981 arrived in Coolangatta shortly after noon on Thursday aboard the 737 MAX 8 DQ-FAH, departing for the return to Nadi as FJ980 at around 1:45pm. Flights will operate on Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays, adding over 53,000 seats annually to the market.

Flying Whales, which signed a deal with Mount Isa Council in 2024 to construct an airship base in the regional Queensland city, is looking to begin operations using its LCA60T helium airships as early as 2029, but wants minority government investment to make the plans a reality.

Speaking to media at WSI on Wednesday, Hudson said that though leisure travel will likely make up the lion’s share of Qantas Group business from the airport especially through Jetstar, premium and business travel will also play an important role in its passenger mix.