Jake Nelson

In an internal memo seen by Australian Aviation, Virgin Australia Regional Airlines executive general manager Nathan Miller said the company is considering Airbus A220-100s or Embraer E190-E2s to replace the airline’s four remaining Fokker 100s, which have an average age of around 30 years.

In a joint press release, Transport Minister Catherine King and Foreign Minister Penny Wong acknowledged the anniversary, recognising the “ongoing heartache and grief” of those who lost loved ones and the “significant contributions” made to efforts to find the plane.

The jet (similar aircraft pictured) touched down this month in Perth as part of NJE’s fleet expansion program, which added a ninth De Havilland Dash 8-Q400 aircraft to the carrier’s stable in October, and comes as the charter operator begins E190 services between Perth and West Musgrave.

Lawrie on Friday served as first officer on board Virgin Australia flight VA313 from Melbourne to Brisbane, Virgin’s second annual all-female-operated flight for International Women’s Day, which took off as VA313 at 8:26am and landed at 9:13am (all times local).

The project, which received $5.5 million in federal government funding through the Building Better Regions Fund with the remainder paid for by Ballina Shire Council, used 15,000 tonnes of new asphalt and is expected to add a decade of life to the runway.

The service, subject to regulatory approval, is expected to launch within 12 months and will permit small cats and dogs in selected rows on specific domestic routes. Pets must be in approved pet carriers stowed under the seat in front, and will not be allowed to roam freely or sit in laps.