Pratt & Whitney has landed a US$6.6 billion contract for the manufacturing of multiple lots of the 18–19 F135 propulsion systems, which is a crucial part in powering multiple versions of the F-35 Lightning II aircraft.

The same aerobridge, at Brisbane’s Gate 82, smashed the right windshield of Qantas 737-800 VH-VZG on 18 June and the left windshield of Fiji Airways 737 MAX 8 DQ-FAE on 26 July 2025, though no injuries were reported on either occasion.

In a bid to keep airfares low for passengers, the state government will kick in to maintain current prices under the Regional Airfare Zone Cap (RAZC) scheme, some of which were slated to increase from the middle of this year, and cover additional fuel costs on “critical intra-regional routes”.

Replacing the ageing base first opened in 1988, the new hub – which will include clinical facilities, space for fixed-wing and rotary aircraft, ground vehicle transport, and room for surge workers – is backed by $15 million from the Commonwealth and $6 million from the Tasmanian government.