Australian Aviation

The carrier will fly direct from Perth to Singapore, Phuket, and Bangkok starting in 2024, and will open a new WA base for at least 60 pilots. It is also planning to base four aircraft in Perth, including the A321neo LR, to build on its domestic and international operations from the west coast.

The airline will fly from Melbourne and Brisbane to Uluru for the first time, commencing on 6 and 7 June 2024 respectively. Brisbane services will operate three times per week and Melbourne up to four times per week, adding more than 62,000 seats per year to the Red Centre.

Speaking to reporters in Melbourne, Harfield said that while in a perfect world Airservices would need 800 qualified air traffic controllers, the fact that it currently has around 900 does not necessarily mean the entire system is covered.

The union said the agreement, set to be put to staff imminently, includes creating more full-time positions and a commitment to avoid outsourcing.

The deal to purchase Mappa came alongside news the Australian Uber-style platform had raised a further $2 million in a fresh funding round.

SAF is vitally important as it can address decarbonisation of fuel over its lifecycle, and is now available for use in all turbine engine aircraft.