Australian Aviation

The low-cost carrier, which was granted its Air Operator Certificate (AOC) on 12 January 2023, has since completed what it bills as the largest network rollout in Australian aviation history. It now flies 38 routes to 21 destinations in five states and territories.

Alaska Airlines flight 1282 to Ontario was forced to return to Portland after a plug door blew out at 16,000 feet, causing depressurisation as well as minor injuries to passengers. The plane, N704AL, was brand new, having only been delivered on 31 October.

The five-year contract with Boeing Defence Australia, which also covers sister aircraft the Growler, will effectively extend the life of a fleet that had been thought to be retired in 2027.

An ATSB report into the incident last July revealed the smaller aircraft’s pilot spotted the larger Saab 340 ahead but chose to continue anyway, despite it being “almost certainly” possible to abort.

Speaking to journalists on Friday, Anthony Albanese insisted a meeting with the then-Qantas CEO in advance of a decision on Qatar flights was actually to discuss new industrial relations legislation.  

Anthony Albanese is facing more allegations that Alan Joyce persuaded him to block extra Qatar flights into Australia after it emerged the pair met weeks after the Flying Kangaroo formally opposed the bid.