Jake Nelson

Speaking at the International Air Transport Association’s (IATA) AGM in Dubai, Qantas CEO Vanessa Hudson confirmed the ultra-long-haul flights between the east coast and London and New York – set to be the longest in the world – are on track to launch in roughly two years.

Starting 9 July, Virgin will fly every day between Brisbane and Port Vila except Thursdays, with two return services on Saturdays. The airline has seen strong demand for Brisbane–Port Vila flights since increasing frequency from two to five per week following the collapse of Air Vanuatu.

This is the first time group boarding has been used by an Australian domestic carrier, and follows a “series of successful trials” in Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne and Perth, which Qantas says demonstrated a positive effect on on-time performance.

Developed after consultation with both community and industry over the past year, the Noise Action Plan for Brisbane is open for community feedback until 14 July, with community engagement sessions to be held in Brisbane from 4–18 June.

The Flight Attendants’ Association of Australia (FAAA) has urged CASA to implement mandatory flight time and rest regulations for cabin crew to improve passenger safety and receive “equal treatment” with pilots, for whom regulations were introduced five years ago.

Ernst & Young Australia (EY Australia) said it is looking to “right-size the company’s cost base” as it proceeds with an expressions of interest campaign. The liquidator is currently in discussions to resume “critical routes” in the short term to minimise disruption.