Operating from Misawa Air Force Base, the exercise will see eight RAAF F-35A Lightning II fighter jets from No. 3 Squadron train alongside Japanese and US aircraft. Traditionally a bilateral exercise between Australia and Japan, the 2025 program is the first time the US has participated.

Available for public comment online, the master plan forecasts annual passenger numbers to grow from 17.48 million to 30.8 million by 2046, with aircraft movements to grow from 160,800 to 222,800 per year and air freight to reach as much as 269,000 tonnes.

The Bell 206L-3 LongRanger helicopter VH-JMM was operating charter services in Arnhem Land on 14 July this year when it hit a white‑bellied sea eagle, which flew through the windscreen and caused serious upper body injuries to the passenger. The bird died on impact.

Flight QF1672 touched down in Hobart at around 1:40pm on Friday afternoon aboard VH-8NQ, returning to Perth shortly before 3pm. The route revives a service last operated in 2023, and will fly three times per week, providing an extra 32,000 annual seats between Tasmania and WA.