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Aviation

The 747-8, the last version of the jumbo jet, which went out of production in 2022.

Jumbo jets have almost disappeared, but one airline is sticking with them

There are now only about 50 passenger 747s still flying around the world. Half of them are with just one airline.

  • Iain Macauley
Passengers will never know about the amazing items of cargos that fly on commercial planes.

There are amazing things flying under your feet you’ll never know about

Racing pigeons hitching a lift alongside snakes? The cargo list given to pilots before a flight features a wild variety of things from interesting … to dangerous.

  • The Secret Pilot
Cabin crew were clad in classic Pan Am uniform of pastel-blue jackets and hats.

Glamorous Pan Am back from the dead, and it’s coming to Australia

It’s not exactly going to challenge the major carriers, but a new version of the iconic airline has taken to the skies.

  • Chris Leadbeater
The seat in Qsuite is within its own cubicle.

Qantas beware: Virgin now offers a best-in-world business class

Virgin Australia’s new partnership means that Qantas now has serious local competition for long-haul flights to Europe.

  • Trudi Jenkins
Natilus says its planes are being designed in a way that they can use existing airport infrastructure.

Inside the revolutionary jet design that aims to change air travel forever

Natilus’ planned blended-wing Horizon jet would allow for more spacious, fuel-efficient and potentially cheaper flights.

  • Greg Dickinson
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Qatar Airways’ economy class is good, but it’s not the world’s best.

The world’s best airline? Not if you’re flying in economy class

The title of world’s best airline should be based on the whole plane, not just the pointy end.

  • Ben Groundwater
Virgin’s new international flights use Qatar Airways aircraft and crew.

What new airline alliances mean for you (and your frequent flyer points)

New alliances are increasing the options for Australians to earn and use their frequent flyer points.

  • Michael Gebicki
Pilot’s briefcases used to be chunky – and heavy – items of baggage.

As a pilot, here are the key items I never fly without

Pilots need to carry some key pieces of equipment for every flight, plus there are a few personal items I always take in my carry-on bag.

  • The Secret Pilot
Is the exit row window “miracle seat” worth it?

Want to sit in ‘miracle’ seat 11A? It will cost you

Before Vishwash Kumar Ramesh walked away from the wreck of Air India flight 171, he was in an exit row. But there’s a downside to this prized seat.

  • Michael Gebicki
Entertainment monitors sit on the back of passenger seats in the economy class cabin of an Airbus SE A350 aircraft, operated by Singapore Airlines Ltd., during an arrival ceremony at Changi Airport in Singapore, on Thursday, March 3, 2016. Singapore Air, hurt by competition from opulent Middle Eastern carriers and a rash of budget airlines, is trying to revive its fortunes the way it knows best: wooing flyers with new aircraft. While the new aircraft with its extra-wide cabins and a new entertainment system will set Singapore Air apart from local rivals, it might be too little, too late to turn around its fortunes. Photographer: Bryan van der Beek/Bloomberg via Getty Images

New planes were meant to be more comfortable. Here’s why it didn’t happen

Despite the hype around new designs and technology, economy class isn’t getting any more spacious. It wasn’t meant to be this way.

  • Michael Gebicki

Original URL: https://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/traveller/topic/aviation-5ut