In its latest Domestic Airline Competition report, the consumer and competition watchdog found total seats flown by major domestic airlines in June 2025 were 2.8 per cent lower than the same period in 2019, despite passenger numbers now tracking similarly to pre-pandemic figures.

The remotely piloted aircraft system, which can carry a 25-kilogram underslung payload with a maximum 40-minute flight time and a maximum 15-kilometre operating range, was tested as a possible delivery system for the Royal Australian Navy to receive crucial stores without having to launch a helicopter or off-task personnel.

The one-way agreement, which began on Monday, will see Qantas customers able to book and connect to flights operated by Sharp to a number of regional locations in Victoria and Tasmania, including to King and Flinders Islands.

Stephen Forshaw, the planemaker’s chief representative for Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific, said the government should impose a SAF blending mandate of around 1 to 2 per cent in order to stimulate biofuel production, give Australia more sovereign fuel reserves, and cut emissions.