THE International Air Services Commission has allocated the equivalent of 3.15 jumbo jets of capacity to Pacific Blue to allow it to start daily services between Australia and Phuket using 180-seat Boeing 737-800s.
The airline says it plans to use the capacity fully by April. The commission also provisionally approved the continuation of code sharing between Qantas and Air Niugini until June 30, 2012.
No more gridlock
BRISBANE Airport expects newly opened and privately funded toll-free road Moreton Drive to reduce traffic congestion. The airport described the new road as a “massive boost in capacity for Brisbane Airport’s road network”.
Melbourne trials
QANTAS has started required navigation performance (RNP) trials in Melbourne as its pushes for more satellite-based approaches. RNP uses the global position system to optimise approach and departure tracks. It also improves the ability of pilots to land and take off in bad weather.
Applications open
ASPIRING pilots can apply now for one of 11 $6000 Airservices Australia-funded scholarships to be awarded next year. The scholarships will be awarded by the Royal Federation of Aero Clubs of Australia, Australian Women Pilots Association and the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association of Australia.
Concourse unveiled
MELBOURNE airport this week unveiled a new 7000sq m passenger concourse, the first stage in its $330 million terminal expansion. Terminal Two can operate three more aircraft bays including two gates with dual-level aerobridges to accommodate the A380. V Australia started flying from Melbourne this week and Qatar begins flight to Doha on Sunday.
Awaiting results
BOEING has completed static testing on modifications to the 787 and should have a full analysis of the results by next week. The testing is a precursor to its planned first test flight this month.
Clarification
MAX Moore-Wilton was incorrectly described last week as the first Australian to become the chairman of the Airports Council International governing board. Former Federal Airports Corp executive Jack Moffatt held the post between March 1992 and November 1995.
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