Jake Nelson

In its latest Domestic Airline Competition report, the consumer and competition watchdog found average airfares went up 13.3 per cent across all major city routes from Rex’s collapse at the end of July to September, with Qantas Group and Virgin now flying 98 per cent of domestic passengers.

$80 million in financing will be provided to keep the business and its regional services afloat as EY Australia continues to search for a buyer, with the administrator applying to the Federal Court to extend the voluntary administration to 30 June 2025.

Aviation rescue firefighters (ARFF) and NSW Fire and Rescue responded to the fire next to the third runway, which broke out after an engine malfunction on Qantas flight QF520 to Brisbane operated by the 19-year-old 737-800 VH-VYH (pictured), though it is not yet clear if this was the cause.

In the Australian Airports Association’s submission to the ACCC on the proposal, CEO Simon Westaway said the plan for Virgin to wet lease Qatar Airways aircraft would add extra international capacity for both passengers and cargo.

The carrier has undertaken what it says was the world’s first EDTO (Extended Detour Time Operations) 120 737-800BCF flight from Melbourne to Perth on behalf of Team Global Express, having recently been certified by New Zealand’s Civil Aviation Authority for EDTO 120 capability.

Speaking to Australian Aviation, Chris Ellis, the Chilean carrier’s country manager for Oceania, said the existing route from Sydney to Santiago via Auckland had been popular with travellers, and that the inaugural non-stop flight had completely sold out with solid bookings projected for the holidays.