Qantas is getting ready to receive its Airbus A321XLR

QANTAS BOEING 787-9 VH-ZNH (MSN 36241)

Qantas pilots have commenced training in anticipation of the first A321XLR's arrival in Australia next year. As a segment of Qantas' fleet renewal initiative, 28 A321XLR aircraft are on order to gradually replace the Boeing 737 fleet over the coming decade, with the inaugural aircraft set to arrive in April 2025.

Before the first A321XLR touches down, Qantas pilots have begun training on a new CAE 7000XR Series A320 simulator, transported from Montreal, Canada, to Australia earlier this year, taking a 34-day journey. Over the next three years, more than 240 Qantas pilots are slated to be trained on the A321XLR, paving the way for new career and promotion opportunities.

Pilots will dedicate up to 60 hours to training in the new simulator as part of a comprehensive training program, followed by annual four-session recurrency training. The simulator boasts cutting-edge technology, including a rare dual head-up display.

Housed in the new Sydney Flight Training Centre, which is expected to be fully equipped with additional simulators and training apparatus by year's end, the A320 simulator will serve as a training hub. Furthermore, approximately 2,000 cabin crew members will undergo training on the new aircraft model as it joins the fleet.

A321XLR facts:

• Qantas' A321XLR, extending 5 metres longer than the retiring 737s, will accommodate 197 passengers (20 in Business, 177 in Economy), marking a 13% increase in overall cabin capacity without compromising seat spacing, and a 66% boost in premium seating.
• The initial trio of Qantas A321XLRs will be outfitted with 180 Economy seats.
• With a range extending 3,000km beyond the 737's 8,700km, it enables a broader spectrum of direct domestic and short-range international flights, such as to Southeast Asia and Pacific islands.
• The A321XLR from Qantas will operate on Pratt & Whitney Geared Turbo Fan engines (PW1100G-JM).
• Noise levels are reduced in the A321XLR compared to its predecessors.
• The A321XLR is anticipated to consume less fuel per seat than the 737 models it is replacing.

In a tribute to Australia's iconic travel destinations and the significance of connecting the expansive country and beyond, Qantas staff are participating in naming the new fleet with the theme of Walks, Rivers, and Roads. The inaugural aircraft will be christened 'Great Ocean Road.'


A321XLR cabins
The new Qantas A321XLR's cabin and seating have been meticulously crafted to enhance passenger comfort.

Travelers can look forward to:

• An Economy seat that is not only wider than the 737's but also features additional cushioning for extra comfort.
• Overhead bins that are the largest among single-aisle aircraft, accommodating 60 percent more bags than the 737.
• A spacious cabin experience with high ceilings, expansive windows, and a cabin width greater than the 737.
• Complimentary, high-speed Wi-Fi that enables passengers to stay connected on multiple devices during the flight, along with an upgraded Qantas Entertainment App for streaming to personal devices.
• A total of 197 seats spanning two cabins, with 20 Business class seats in a 2-2 layout and 177 Economy class seats in a 3-3 layout.

Is Australia getting a new domestic airline

Following the collapse of Bonza and the 737 division of REX, it's hard to believe what's unfolding.

Australia's domestic aviation scene is set for a potential upheaval as Melbourne-based Koala Airlines steps up to fill the gap left by the demise of budget carriers Rex and Bonza. Industry experts suggest that newcomer Koala Airlines may face challenges breaking into the Australian market and establishing a viable business model.

The company, which is yet to commence domestic operations, has recently put together a management team, revamped its online presence, and announced ambitious plans—though scant on details—on its market entry strategy, a market known for its challenges.

Founded in 2018, Koala Airlines strategically acquired Desert Air Safaris in 2019, securing the necessary Air Operators Certificate (AOC) for operation. Plans are in place to deploy a fleet of Boeing 737 Max 8 aircraft, with specific routes and start dates still under wraps.

Koala Airlines intends to sidestep the pitfalls that befell Rex and Bonza by "carving out a unique niche that enhances the industry landscape," steering clear of direct competition with giants Qantas and Virgin.

"More competition translates to lower airfares; it's that straightforward," stated Natalie Heazlewood, Head of Policy at the Australian Airports Association. "The ACCC's recent report solidly backs this, highlighting the cost to passengers when an airline bows out."

Since the collapse of Rex, airfares have surged by 38%—the most significant hike on the Melbourne to Gold Coast route since Rex and Bonza exited the domestic market earlier this year.

Australia's domestic aviation sector has experienced turbulence with the recent failures of Rex and Bonza, both unable to maintain operations in a market traditionally dominated by Qantas and Virgin. The Australian government's Two Airline Policy, eased in 1990, originally permitted only two major airlines to service key domestic routes, posing challenges for new entrants to gain a foothold.

Details on the launch date and ticket sales remain undisclosed.

Light plane crashes through fence in Hunter Valley

A light plane has crash landed through a fence in the Hunter Valley earlier this afternoon, with initial reports the pilot is in hospital. The pilot, aged in his 50s, and a female passenger were on board when he lost control while landing at Cessnock Airport (CES/YCNK).

The heavy landing occurred about 12.15pm with emergency services called to the Pokolbin airstrip following reports of the crash. Paramedics raced to the scene and the pilot was taken to John Hunter Hospital after firefighters cut them free from the wreckage.

A Queensland Ambulance Service spokesperson said the woman had sustained injuries to her leg while the pilot was left with a hand injury. It is understood their conditions are not serious. Local authorities are currently investigating the surrounding circumstances of the crash.

Tyre explosion at Delta maintenance facility kills two, injures one

DELTA BOEING 757-251 N544US (MSN 26491)

Two workers were killed, and another was severely injured when a tyre exploded inside Delta's main maintenance shop in Atlanta. Although most details have not been disclosed, the tyre was being serviced after being removed from an aircraft that arrived in Atlanta on Sunday night.

The incident took place at the Atlanta Technical Operations Maintenance facility, specifically in the wheel and brake shop where tyres and related components are adjusted, repaired, and inspected. The tyre in question came from a Boeing 757 that had flown in from Las Vegas on Sunday night and was under maintenance at the time of the explosion.

Shrapnel from the exploding tyre fatally wounded two workers and severely injured a third. While specific details of the incident remain unknown, the risks associated with working on aircraft tyres are significantly high. Aircraft tyres are inflated to up to 450 psi with nitrogen, making any explosion extremely violent and abrupt.

 
Delta released a statement later both confirming the accident and explaining their part in the ongoing investigation:

"The Delta family is heartbroken at the loss of two team members and the injury of another following an incident this morning at the Atlanta Technical Operations Maintenance facility. We have extended our full support to family members and colleagues during this incredibly difficult time.

The Delta family is grateful for the quick action of first responders and medical teams on site. We are now working with local authorities and conducting a full investigation to determine what happened."

Aircraft Information:

Airline: Delta Airlines

Code: DL/DAL

Aircraft: Boeing 757-232

Registration: N683DA

Serial Number: 27103

Engines: 2 x PW PW2037

First Flew: 03rd March 1993

Age: 31.5 Years Old

Thoughts and prayers go out to the families and friends.

Airline customers to be compensated with cash for flight delays or cancellations

Australian Airlines may soon be required to compensate customers for flight delays and cancellations, as the federal government introduces a new aviation ombudsman. The reforms, detailed in a white paper, reflect the Albanese government's long-term vision for the aviation industry. Transport Minister Catherine King states that these changes will enhance customers' rights when interacting with airlines and airports.

"Many Australians have been left high and dry when flights are cancelled or disrupted, and obtaining a refund or contacting a company representative is excessively complex," she commented.

"Customers rightfully deserve their money back if it is due to them. No exceptions.

"Now is the time for decisive action to safeguard consumer rights with an Aviation Industry Ombudsman Scheme and a Charter of Customer Rights."

With the proposed reforms, airlines and airports will be required to justify flight delays. Currently, airlines are not obligated to provide compensation for delayed or cancelled flights. However, the ombudsman will specify the conditions under which airlines must issue a refund in cash or the original payment method, instead of a travel voucher.

The overhaul will also address the needs of travelers with disabilities, focusing on improving wheelchair access. King highlights the substandard treatment many individuals have received from airlines and airports.

"Air travel is essential for many Australians, yet those with disabilities often face subpar service, inaccessible designs, and restrictive rules.

"The way airlines and airports treat people with disabilities is unacceptable.

"Individuals have been left stranded on aircraft, compelled to return to their origin, or have endured poor treatment due to inadequate facilities at their destinations."

The government aims to have the scheme operational by 2026

Planes overflying Home

Yesterday morning Brisbane woke to a blanket of fog, aircraft at Brisbane airport were unaffected until around 6.30 am. After circling for a short time, an Emirates Airbus A380 and a Singapore Airbus A350 diverted to Sydney, and an Air Canada Boeing 787-9 diverted to the Gold Coast.

Emirates returned to Brisbane around 11.40 am and Singapore was 25 minutes behind, touching down just after midday.

Air Canada also returned to Brisbane from the Gold Coast touching down around 2.45 pm.

As I don't work Monday's, and the runway in use was 01, I thought take photos of aircraft as they flew over or around home.

VIRGIN AUSTRALIA BOEING 737-8FE VH-VUL (MSN 36603)
VA913 ARRIVING FROM SYDNEY (SYD) 17 YRS OLD

QANTAS BOEING 737-838 VH-XZN (MSN 44575)
QF508 ARRIVING FROM SYDNEY (SYD) 10 YRS OLD

CESSNA 172P VH-AZQ (MSN 17275569)

AIR NEW ZEALAND BOEING 777-319 ZK-OKM (MSN 38405
NZ145 ARRIVING FROM AUCKLAND (AKL) 13 YRS OLD 

ALLIANCE AIRLINES FOKKER 100 VH-FKC (MSN 11349)
VA1211 ARRIVING FROM CANBERRA (CBR) 33 YRS OLD

JETSTAR AIRBUS A321-251NX VH-OYP (MSN 11771)
JQ812 ARRIVING FROM SYDNEY (SYD) 2 MONTHS OLD

EMIRATES AIRBUS A380-861 A6-EOM (MSN 187) 
EK434 ARRIVING FROM SYDNEY (SYD) 9 YRS OLD

McDERMOTT AVIATION AEROSPATIALE AS355F1 VH-HRU (MSN 5144)

FIJI AIRWAYS BOEING 737 MAX 8 DQ-FAH (MSN 64311)
FJ921 ARRIVING FROM NADI (NAN) 4 YRS OLD

SINGAPORE AIRLINES AIRBUS A350-941 9V-SHG (MSN 309)
SQ 235 ARRIVING FROM SYDNEY (SYD) 5 YRS OLD

CESSNA A152 VH-UND (MSN A1520775) 47 YRS OLD

PILATUS AUSTRALIA PILATUS PC-24 VH-PIL (MSN 177)
ARRIVING FROM BANKSTOWN (BWU) 4 YRS OLD

VIRGIN AUSTRALIA BOEING 737-8FE VH-YIO (MSN 38714)
VA933 ARRIVING FROM SYDNEY (SYD) 12 YRS OLD

LINK AIRWAYS SAAB 340B VH-VEC (MSN 340B-433)

POLAIR BELL 429 GLOBAL RANGER VH-XP7 (MSN 57476)

Qantas 787 damaged during takeoff from Rome Airport

QANTAS BOEING 787-9 VH-ZNC (MSN 39040)

Qantas Airways flight QF6 travelling from Rome Leonardo da Vinci–Fiumicino Airport (FCO/LIRF) to Perth International Airport (PER/YPPH) was damaged during takeoff from Rome. The tread from one of the tyres disintegrated during the high speed takeoff. 

Qantas flight QF6, had a scheduled departure of 12 midday, but due to delays took off from Rome at 4.23 pm, Rome time. After being airborne for 15 hours and 22 minutes and covering 13,354 KM of distance it landed in Perth at 1.45 pm Perth time.

With speculations flying around, Qantas responded with the correct information and here’s their response. 

During takeoff in Rome, the tread separated from one of our Dreamliner’s tyres damaging the lower right wing of the aircraft.

The tyre remained inflated, and the flight operated as normal with no impact on systems or safety. Pilots, crew, and passengers were unaware of the incident.

The aircraft landed in Perth normally, and the damage was identified by engineers conducting their walk-around on arrival.

The aircraft will be ferried to Sydney or Melbourne for further inspection and repairs before returning to service. 

The onward Perth to Sydney sector was canceled and passengers were reaccommodated on other services within 4 hours. 

A Qantas spokesperson added:

We apologise to passengers for the inconvenience and thank them for their understanding.
Following the incident, the airline could not continue its second leg of the flight to Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport (SYD).

The incident occurred on Saturday the 24th of August 2024.

Aircraft Information:

Airline: Qantas Airways

Code: QF/QFA

Aircraft: Boeing 787-9

Registration: VH-ZNC 

Serial Number: 39040

Engines: 2 x GEnx-1B

First Flew: 12th January 2018

Age: 6 .7 Years Old

Hong Kong Airlines returns to Gold Coast

HONG KONG AIRLINES AIRBUS A330-343 B-LNP (MSN 1398)

Gold Coast Airport is set to inaugurate its connection to Hong Kong after six years, with Hong Kong Airlines introducing seasonal flights during the summer. This initiative positions the city as a preferred destination for visitors from Hong Kong and mainland China.

The service between Hong Kong (HKG/VHHH) and Gold Coast (OOL/YBCG) will be available for five weeks around the Chinese Lunar New Year, providing roughly 6,000 seats to the region.

This new connection will be operational four times per week from the 17th of January 2025 to the 15th of February 2025. It has been established with the assistance of the Queensland Government's Attracting Aviation Investment Fund, alongside Experience Gold Coast and the City of Gold Coast.

Hong Kong Airlines Chairman Jeff Sun said: “We are delighted to be the first Hong Kong carrier to bring back this much-anticipated Australia route for passengers.”

“The launch of the route will mark the start of our re-entry into the long-haul market and expand our network to provide passengers with more international and diverse travel options.”

The carrier previously provided a year-round triangle service between Cairns, Gold Coast and Hong Kong and operated two days a week, Tuesdays and Saturdays.


Route       Flight Number        Departure    Arrival            Frequency
HKG – OOL    HX015                22:00            08:55+1    Mon, Wed. Fri, Sun
OOL – HKG    HX016                10:25            17:20        Mon, Tue, Thurs, Sat

Gold Coast Airport after the airshow

Last Monday, we headed down to the Gold Coast airport for two reasons.

One was Matt from Syd Squad was broadcasting live from the airport, and two, some of the aircraft from the weekend's airshow was there and was departing that morning. Sadly, the Osprey's had left just before we got there.

CESSNA 172N SKYHAWK VH-TEI (MSN 17272049)

JETSTAR AIRBUS A320-232 VH-VQC (MSN 3668)
JQ407 OFF TO SYDNEY (SYD) 15 YRS OLD

UNITED STATES AIR FORCE C17 GLOBEMASTER III 02-1110 (MSN 5011)

VIRGIN AUSTRALIA BOEING 737-8FE VH-YFZ (MSN 41005)
VA516 OFF TO SYDNEY (SYD) 7 YRS OLD

YAKOVLEV YAK -52W VH-YKW (MSN 0012206)

CASA C-212-400E AVIOCAR VH-VHB (MSN 475)

AIR NEW ZEALAND AIRBUS A321-271NX ZK-NND (MSN 8629)
NZ187 ARRIVING FROM AUCKLAND (AKL) 5 YRS OLD

JETSTAR AIRBUS A321-251NX VH-OFY (MSN 11410)
JQ434 ARRIVING FROM MELBOURNE (MEL) 1 YR OLD

FLIGHT ONE SCHOOL PIPER PA-44-180 VH-DWM (MSN 4496561)

AERO VODOCHODY L-39C VH-NLD (MSN 132037)

AERO VODOCHODY L-39C VH-JTS (MSN 131911)

AERO VODOCHODY L-39C VH-LCJ (MSN 232155)

AIRWAYS AVIATION PIPER PA-44-180 VH-CZH (MSN 4496216)

RAAF ROULETTES PILATUS PC-21 A54-042 (MSN 275)

RAAF ROULETTES PILATUS PC-21 A54-034 (MSN 267)

RAAF ROULETTES PILATUS PC-21 A54-025 (MSN 258)

RAAF ROULETTES PILATUS PC-21 A54-029 (MSN 262)

RAAF ROULETTES PILATUS PC-21 A54-037 (MSN 270)

VIRGIN AUSTRALIA BOEING 737-8FE VH-VUS (MSN 36607)
VA733 ARRIVING FROM MELBOURNE (MEL) 14 YRS OLD