Jake Nelson

The revelation has presented a dilemma for Rex’s administrator as it tries to save the airline on the grounds that its flights are “essential” regional services. It also suggests airlines and businesses could be waiting for Rex to be formally wound up before making a move. 

The news is likely to have significant ramifications for long-haul travel into Australia, given the tie-up with Virgin is a major incentive for customers to book travel with Etihad. Abu Dhabi itself offers onward connections to more than 130 destinations.

Starting in May 2025 for the peak season, the low-cost carrier will add a fifth weekly flight on Saturdays from Sydney to the Pacific destination, on a route served by its A321neo LR (NEO) fleet.

Slated to launch next year, the academy – billed as the first of its kind in Australia – will be open both online and on RMIT’s campus, and will include areas such as safety culture, risk management, and human safety factors such as sleep and fatigue.

The pilot program, announced in August, allows eligible Qantas customers to access and fill out the Australia Digital Travel Declaration through the Qantas app up to 72 hours before departure, removing the need for the physical Incoming Passenger Card.

The 2024-2043 Cirium Fleet Forecast released by aviation consultancy firm Cirium Ascend Consultancy has predicted 45,900 new deliveries worldwide between 2024 and 2043, valued at $3.3 trillion in total, 45 per cent of which are expected to go to Asia including China and India.