Jake Nelson

The “comprehensive upgrades to the runway, taxiways and aprons” will be funded by $14.7 million from the Commonwealth, $14 million from the WA Government and about $12.9 million from the City of Albany, and will support passenger flights as well as FIFO and future firefighting operations.

Under the new system, eligible Qantas Frequent Flyer members on international Jetstar 787 flights will be able to combine Qantas Points and cash to bid for business class seats. It comes as Jetstar continues to refurbish its 787-8 fleet.

The provider, which began operations in the state in January with an initial fleet of three Bell 412 helicopters, is a joint venture between LifeFlight and the Linfox Group.

While details have yet to be finalised, STARLUX Airlines has chosen Sydney as its first Australian destination, with an onward service planned to Auckland, and will compete with China Airlines on the route.

The Canadian flag carrier and Virgin Australia codeshare partner’s previous Melbourne service using 787-9 Dreamliners was scuppered by COVID-19, but according to Air Canada’s managing director for international sales, Rocky Lo, the airline has put Melbourne on its “New Frontier” expansion plan.

The specially-fitted plane took off from Airbus’ facility in Toulouse on Tuesday for a three-hour and 43-minute flight over France and the French Atlantic coast. It comes as the second aircraft progresses through the final assembly line.