Jake Nelson

Civil Air members are voting until 1 May on whether to take protected industrial action, which may include work stoppages and bans on overtime and ATC training. The union says staffing levels are “critically low”, and has called out what it says is a “toxic” culture that shows little sign of improving.

The start-up says its UAV systems will be able to carry payloads of 60 to 90kg at speeds of 120km/h, with a maximum range of 1,100km and fuel consumption of 21km per litre.

The airline launched its second base at Melbourne Airport on 30 March 2023 and now serves 11 destinations from the city, including seven not served by any other carrier and nine not served by any other low-cost carrier.

The ballot, which closes on 1 May, was filed by ATC union Civil Air. If successful, protected industrial action could include bans on ATC training and overtime, as well as work stoppages of up to 24 hours, and comes amid accusations of understaffing and poor work/life balance.

Two years on from the reopening of borders, 350,387 international passengers travelled through Perth Airport in February 2024. This was an increase of 12 per cent on February of 2020, a month before COVID travel restrictions took effect, and up eight per cent on February 2019.

Australia’s largest airport, which has been owned by a private consortium since March of 2022, recorded $1.7 billion in revenue and an EBITDA of $1.22 billion, driven by aeronautical fees, property leases, parking fees, and shops and car rentals.