Australian Aviation

Embraer and General Electric have announced the conclusion of a series of biofuel test flights in August, aimed at benchmarking operational characteristics of a camelina derived Hydro-processed Esters and Fatty Acids (HEFA) fuel. The trial saw the biofuel – with the maximum American Society for Testing and Materials (ATSM) approved mix of 50 per cent

The trial of new body imaging technology will begin at Melbourne International Airport from Monday, following a “highly successful three week trial” at Sydney Airport, Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Anthony Albanese has announced. The body scanner trial, which saw over 4000 scans conducted at Sydney, uses low-energy millimeter-waves to detect metal and non-metal items

Flight Training Adelaide (FTA) has announced the signing of a new contract with the China Rescue Service (CRS) to train a fourth intake of CRS cadets at its Parafield Airport facilities. The contract, which was signed by both parties in Shanghai on August 25, will see CRS cadets once again train for a CASA Commercial

Boeing to launch re-engined 737 Although it has recently hinted at launching an all-new narrowbody aircraft in the near future, Boeing now appears set to launch a re-engined version of the 737 following a major commitment from American Airlines in late July. AA announced a historic order for up to 460 narrowbodies, split between Airbus

Virgin Australia has announced that its ATR regional operation will begin flying in October, with the new turboprops to operate additional frequencies on the Sydney-Canberra route, plus new Brisbane- Gladstone and Brisbane- Port Macquarie flights, and replace E-170s on Sydney-Port Macquarie. Virgin’s ATR services will initially operate double daily week day return Brisbane to Gladstone

Asian expansion, job cuts long haul contraction spearhead Qantas international changes Qantas has announced the most far reaching and comprehensive restructure since its merger with Australian Airlines and privatization nearly two decades ago with routes cut, staff lay-offs, aircraft deferred and retired and the launch of two new off-shore airlines to capture growth in Asia.