australian - VibeWire Magazine

Virgin Australia bids farewell to the last of its A320s

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June 12, 2026
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The carrier, which currently operates four A320-200s inherited from former low-cost arm Tigerair, has been gradually phasing out the aircraft type to simplify its fleet, with Virgin Australia Regional Airlines (VARA) jet operations being taken over by …

OneSKY-CMATS again raised at Projects of Concern Summit

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June 12, 2026
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Defence convened a Projects of Concern Summit in Canberra to discuss the CMATS project on 11 June.

Final track laid on Western Sydney Airport metro

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June 12, 2026
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The WSI metro, which runs from St Marys to the Bradfield “aerotropolis” via the new airport, stretches for 23 kilometres with six stations along its length. Focus will now turn to fitting out tunnels and viaducts ahead of train testing.

RFDS WA begins renewal of its PC-12 fleet

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June 12, 2026
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Based at Perth’s Jandakot Airport, VH-AW2 was funded by mining billionaire Gina Rinehart through her Rinehart Medical Foundation and Hancock Iron Ore, and is the first PC-12 PRO to join RFDS WA as part of a fleet renewal program.

Fiji Airways lands on the Gold Coast

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June 11, 2026
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Flight FJ981 arrived in Coolangatta shortly after noon on Thursday aboard the 737 MAX 8 DQ-FAH, departing for the return to Nadi as FJ980 at around 1:45pm. Flights will operate on Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays, adding over 53,000 seats annually to t…

Australia scores 7th straight win in drone racing tournament

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June 11, 2026
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Australia placed first in the racing section of the tournament, ahead of international teams from the United Kingdom, which came in second, and the USA in third. In addition, an Australian Army drone pilot achieved the fastest time at the drone racing …

Blimp and you’ll miss it? Airship startup seeks Australian backing

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June 11, 2026
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Flying Whales, which signed a deal with Mount Isa Council in 2024 to construct an airship base in the regional Queensland city, is looking to begin operations using its LCA60T helium airships as early as 2029, but wants minority government investment t…

Boeing reveals expanded MQ-28 Ghost Bat combat capabilities

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June 11, 2026
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As part of this expansion, Boeing revealed a technology roadmap that substantially increases the uncrewed aerial system’s range, payload flexibility and interoperability for the Royal Australian Air Force and allied customers.

Western Sydney Airport no ‘budget option’ for Qantas, says Hudson

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June 10, 2026
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Speaking to media at WSI on Wednesday, Hudson said that though leisure travel will likely make up the lion’s share of Qantas Group business from the airport especially through Jetstar, premium and business travel will also play an important role in its…

Virgin Australia rolls out ChatGPT flight search

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June 10, 2026
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In an Australian first, Virgin says its customers will be able to surface destinations based on budget or departure city; find best-value travel periods for different dates; compare cash fares or points-plus-pay; and find the lowest fares across multip…