Jake Nelson

The regional carrier, which has been operating wet-lease services to the island for several months, is now flying the route in its own right with ex-Qantas Dash-8 aircraft. The first SmartLynx QN11/12 services to and from Lord Howe Island commenced on Monday on the Dash 8-200 VH-TQX.

Slot demand for next year’s northern summer season, or the six months from 29 March 2026, has increased by 8 per cent over historical slots for the same period, according to slot manager Airport Coordination Limited (ACL).

The first of the new A350-900ULRs, A6-EXM, touched down at Adelaide Airport on Monday night. Adelaide is the first city in Emirates’ global network to see the aircraft, which features an updated premium economy cabin.

The regional carrier and ACMI operator – which rebranded from Skytrans earlier this year to better align branding with its parent, Avia Solutions Group – is set for another change, likely in the new year, its chief commercial officer Richard George exclusively confirmed to Australian Aviation.

The inaugural flight VA7 took off aboard Qatar Airways’ leased 777-300ER A7-BEK at around 5:35pm on Monday. Melbourne is the final major Australian gateway to receive Virgin’s Doha services, following Sydney, Brisbane, and Perth in June.

The trial will see flights permitted to depart in tailwinds of five to 10 knots during overnight hours (10pm to 6am) for the first six months, expanding to arrivals for the next 12 months. It comes as 63 per cent of aircraft between those hours have arrived or departed over water in the last six months.