Jake Nelson

The union has accused Qantas and its ground-handling partner, Swissport, of “Joyce-era tactics” and “dangerously low standards” in pay, conditions, and safety. Members picketed at Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Perth Airports on Thursday.

Four Philippine Air Force (PAF) FA-50PH Golden Eagles arrived at RAAF Base Darwin last week, followed by Thai F-16B fighters, Korean fighters and tankers, and a number of aircraft from Singapore. It comes ahead of the exercise’s commencement early next week.

The airline will re-launch flights on 10 November at three per week, increasing to five between December and February, with the service to conclude on 27 March. Seat capacity will increase by 50 per cent over last year, with all flights to be operated by Cathay’s A350-900 aircraft.

The cabin update, to begin next year, will see the seat total remain at 342, though two premium economy seats will be swapped for economy seats, while business class will be upgraded with Collins Aerospace seats similar to the product on the refitted Dreamliners.

The agreement will see Avalon and dnata “explore opportunities for operational collaboration” on future cargo opportunities involving the airport’s freight infrastructure, including the $8 million facility opened last year.

The $65 million deal would see Experience Co maintain a minority stake in its Australian and New Zealand skydive and aviation businesses, which would merge with Inflite’s existing operations. Experience Co would keep a 32.5 per cent interest in the combined business, with an estimated value of $110 million.