Yesterday
Labor puts Virgin on notice about its next chief executive
Employment Minister Murray Watt’s pointed reference to Jayne Hrdlicka’s likely successor came as the airline awaits approval for a tie-up with Qatar Airways.
This Month
Airport spending doubles to $30 billion. The catch? Higher fares
The Productivity Commission says light touch regulation saves consumers’ hip pockets. But airlines worry that they, and passengers, will foot an epic bill.
January
- Updated
- Aviation
‘No survivors’: Despair after horrific midair crash
Bodies were reportedly being pulled from the water after an American Airlines plane outside Washington collided with an army helicopter.
- Updated
Senior ACCC officials resign en masse from Qantas’ Chairman’s Lounge
The secretive, invite-only club is reserved for top businesspeople and government officials and it gives the airline enormous influence to support its ambitions.
Cheap Virgin fares and new competitors signal international price war
The Bain Capital-owned carrier is offering discounted fares to Europe as it works on convincing regulators to approve its tie-up with Qatar Airways.
The 30-year-old law threatening Sydney’s most popular flights
Sydney Airport is intensifying calls for the government to change legislation around Sydney’s curfew as important flights risk running afoul of a legal loophole.
Labor pays private equity giant $50m to keep Rex from the scrapheap
Labor has confirmed it will spend $50 million buying out private equity giant PAG Asia Capital, giving the administrators more time to find a willing buyer.
Qantas pips Virgin on on-time flights in otherwise lacklustre year
The two biggest airlines had fewer delays last year compared to 2023 but remain well below long-term averages. Few expect a major change in the next 12 months.
Qantas hits frequent flyers with more expensive flights
More frequent flier points will be needed to secure Classic Reward seats under changes the airline is introducing to its popular loyalty program.
Booming Chinese airlines offer bargain business flights to Europe
China’s three largest airlines are selling premium fares for thousands of dollars less than international rivals. But be prepared for long layovers.
Are you flying on a 22-year-old Qantas plane?
From poor planning to belt tightening and production delays, there are plenty of reasons why the airline’s fleet is ageing. But it’s making flying worse.
Melbourne Airport flags $4.5b investment in international terminal
The airport’s capital expenditure program is set to ramp up, sparking tensions with big airlines over passenger charges.
Tennis Australia raises almost $50m for sports and entertainment fund
Backers of its AO Ventures vehicle include major investors such as John Wylie and Caledonia’s Mark Nelson, along with Tesla chairwoman Robyn Denholm.
Bain sweats on FIRB approval before naming new Virgin CEO
The airline’s private equity owners are hoping to avoid a political stoush before an election, with the favoured candidate opposed by powerful unions.
Tiny airport beats Melbourne and Sydney to recover pre-COVID traffic
This regional airport says Bonza showed the big guys’ network planning teams that they should think differently about smaller markets.
- Analysis
- Aviation
Boeing’s bumpy year cascades into real pain for Qantas, Virgin
From safety issues to a supplier crunch, the big aircraft manufacturers are having trouble producing enough planes. That means more delays and fuller flights.
Meet the frequent flyer whose kids have hit gold status
Courtney Fitzsimmons doesn’t buy her kids bubble tea and birthday presents. She thinks travel is a much better investment in their future.
Qantas best on-time among local carriers but well behind global rivals
Australia’s three major airlines were in the low 70 per cent range for on-time arrivals in 2024, a far cry from the leading international carriers.
December 2024
The cult luggage item these execs are clamouring to collect
With bags modelled on the first all-metal aircraft fuselage in the 1950s, Rimowa has attracted a steady stream of loyal fans, including these Aussies.
Sacked Qantas workers win record $120m compensation payout
The Transport Workers Union has won compensation for 1700 baggage handlers and ground workers more than four years after they were illegally sacked.