Marc Joel Atrero

Decision time for RAAF F-35 Buy Some time in the next few months, presumably before May’s federal budget, the new federal government will decide on the next steps in Australia’s acquisition of the F-35 as the RAAF’s next frontline fighter. Of course we have been here before – in 2002 when we joined the program,

Matt Hall is again flying the flag for Australia in the reborn Red Bull Air Race series After entering hibernation in 2010, the Red Bull Air Race was set to thaw out in the heat of Abu Dhabi from February 28. Australia’s Matt Hall will once again take to the skies and weave his MXS-R

Industry has much to say about its regulator Much of the Australian aviation industry, and particularly its smaller end, takes a dim view of their regulator, CASA. This is putting things rather mildly. But is all the loathing based on legitimate gripes, or just whingeing over effective regulation? Naturally, industry is keen to prove the

Two engines for long-haul has become the norm They once graced the skies. Massive flying boats with boat-like hulls and thickset wings carrying four spinning propellers. Designed to conquer the globe at speed, aircraft grew leaner and left the insurance of landing on the water behind as aviation grew more self-assured. Super Constellations lapped the

Asia’s staggering appetite for new metal (and carbon) The numbers are stunning but not surprising for anyone who follows aviation, but they come with a warning. The Asia Pacific region will need an additional 12,820 aircraft valued at US$1. 9 trillion, representing 36 per cent of the world’s new deliveries, over the next 20 years.

Big opportunities but even bigger losses for India’s airlines Don’t hold your breath. India’s aviation authorities have made a habit over the years of throwing out nuggets of hope to the country’s financially battered carriers that changes are in the pipeline. Allowing foreign direct investment by offshore carriers in local airlines was a perfect example.