Jake Nelson

The new service took off for the first time at 4:47pm yesterday as flight QF39, arriving in Jakarta at 8:18pm local time. It will operate three times per week using Airbus A330 aircraft, adding to the national carrier’s existing Sydney-Jakarta flights.

The arrival of 50th carrier Vietjet this morning comes months after the airport’ CEO, Geoff Culbert, said international travel was still “lagging behind” and called on airlines to put on more services.

RACQ LifeFlight has won a five-year CASA Part 145 certification for its approved maintenance organisation (AMO), which signifies it is operating to internationally recognised aviation regulations.

The news presents more evidence its unique business model of cutting out capital cities can work, despite its chances being played down by traditional carriers Qantas, Virgin and Rex.

The family of a 12-year-old girl killed in a July 2020 helicopter crash in Broome has called for better oversight and regulation after an ATSB investigation concluded the accident could have been prevented.

The airport, which received $121 million in Federal Government grants to upgrade its airfield and terminals, has enlisted CBA as the sole financier for capital projects not covered by the grants, such as at its Astra Aerolab defence and aerospace precinct.