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Robyn IronsideAviation Writer

Robyn Ironside is The Australian’s aviation writer, and has twice been recognised by the Australasian Aviation Press Club (in 2020 and 2023) as the best aviation journalist. She has been with The Australian since 2018, and covered aviation for News Corp since 2014 after previously reporting on Queensland state politics and crime with The Courier-Mail.

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A Qantas Airways Boeing 737 aircraft travels down the runway as it passes a Virgin Australia Boeing 737 aircraft at Sydney International Airport in Sydney on August 18, 2025. An Australian court fined Qantas Aus$90 million (US$59 million) on August 18 for illegally laying off 1,800 ground staff during the Covid-19 pandemic. (Photo by DAVID GRAY / AFP)

Qantas vs Virgin: Which has the best value loyalty points?

The value per point of Qantas’ Frequent Flyer program compared with Virgin Australia’s Velocity isn’t what it used to be following the flying kangaroo’s first devaluation since 2019.

Fit woman enjoys blue crystal clear flowing water in natural pool under high waterfall cascading down a lush, green cliff. Adventure lifestyle at family holidays travel in Bali tropical rainforest.

Vietnam eyes Bali’s holiday crown

Australian holidaymakers have discovered a nine-hour flight to incredible food, diverse landscapes and unbeatable value that could reshape our travel habits forever.

Outback Wrangler Matt Wright has been found guilty of allegations he conspired to cover up details of the helicopter crash that killed Chris Wilson. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Wright sentenced to jail over crash cover-up

Outback Wrangler television co-star Matt Wright has been given five months behind bars for obstructing the investigation into a helicopter crash that killed his friend and co-star.

Robyn Ironside and Liam Mendes

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A skydiving camera operator has had a lucky escape after his parachute deployed before jumping out of a plane at Tully, Far North Queensland. Photo: Supplied.

Sky-high drama as diver snags on plane and dangles at 15,000ft

Dramatic video of the moment a skydiver’s parachute snagged on the aircraft’s wing has been released as part of an air safety investigation. WATCH

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The skyline of Lower Manhattan, New York City, shot via helicopter from an altitude of about 1100 feet over New York Harbor. Photo - iStock Why I travel Escape 14 Decmeber 2025

Going to the US? Get ready to share DNA

The simple ESTA application could become an ordeal as the US proposes demanding extra family details, biometric data and social media history from Australian visitors. Here are the key changes.

AviationAviation

Canva for A380 wing damage

Qantas superjumbo grounded for repairs after mid-flight wing drama

The celebrated return of Qantas’s final A380 has turned into a maintenance nightmare after a wing component failed during its comeback flight, which safely landed in Los Angeles.

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A Qantas Airways Airbus A380 plane sits on the runway as a Virgin Australia Airlines Boeing 737-800 plane prepares to take off at Sydney International Airport on April 3, 2025. (Photo by DAVID GRAY / AFP)

‘Uphill battle’: Qantas boss on job cuts and rivals

Qantas International chief executive Cam Wallace has blamed rising costs for expected job losses, despite a new report showing the airline industry’s record profits and high airfares.

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Qantas has provided a sneak preview of its new look Auckland International Airport lounge opening on December 17, ahead of busy Christmas travel season. Picture: Supplied

Inside Qantas’s new lounge that took 15 redesigns to perfect

Qantas has unveiled its new Auckland lounge after designer David Caon changed the floor plan 15 times, with luxury features like shower suites and more space.

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BAC Jetstar new Cebu Flight - 3rd December 2025 Steph Tully, chief executive Jetstar Photo: J&A Photography // Josh Woning

Jetstar CEO plots global push with long-haul routes

The mother-of-two CEO who commutes by jumping on Jetstar planes has delivered a 55 per cent earnings surge that puts premium airlines to shame.

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Los Angeles, USA - November 3, 2011: A Qantas Airbus A380 at LAX.

‘No small feat’: Qantas’s final A380 returns home

Qantas has completed the largest maintenance project in its 105-year history as its final A380 superjumbo returns after nearly six years in storage.

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Original URL: https://www.theaustralian.com.au/author/robyn-ironside