Category: Australia News (Page 1 of 13)

Alstom and DT Infrastructure awarded contract for Perth signalling project

July 18, 2024 / WIL BALDWIN

Image from Alstom

July 18, 2024 – Alstom, a global leader in smart and sustainable mobility, and DT Infrastructure, a leading Australian provider of engineering and construction services, have been awarded a €1bn [1] (AUD$1.6bn) contract by the Public Transport Authority of Western Australia (PTA) for the design, supply, construction, installation, testing, commissioning and maintenance of high capacity signalling technology for Perth’s suburban rail network.

The award of the contract, the world’s largest signalling project by route length, will be delivered by an Alliance comprising the Public Transport Authority, Alstom and DT Infrastructure. It features the provision of Alstom’s Urbalis CBTC technology installed by DT Infrastructure’s expert local workforce.

Perth will become the third Australian city to deploy Alstom’s proven Urbalis CBTC signalling solution, joining around 190 other global metro lines featuring Alstom’s state-of-the-art solution. Once completed the project will provide Perth with a 40% increase in network capacity. The project will also be delivered with a dedicated plan to minimise disruption to Perth’s commuters during installation. Cutting edge features include enhanced cyber security and energy saving and a new multipurpose communications system based on a private Long-Term evolution radio network.

[1] – Alstom share around 2/3 of the consortium including maintenance services

Rolls-Royce creating over 200 new jobs in Cardiff and Glasgow

March 6, 2024 / WIL BALDWIN

Rolls-Royce Holdings PLC (London: RR) Submarines today announced plans to open new offices in Cardiff and Glasgow to attract the best talent and meet growth in demand from the Royal Navy and the recent AUKUS announcement.

The locations of satellite offices in Cardiff and Glasgow, funded by the UK Ministry of Defence (MOD), have been selected to help access the skilled talent pools in both regions, with more than 100 jobs being created in each city.

The increase in demand for technical specialists will see new offices opened in St Mellons, Cardiff, and at the Airport Business Park in Glasgow. The business intends to attract the best engineers and specialists from around the UK to work on a growing portfolio of defence nuclear projects.

In March 2023, it was confirmed that Rolls-Royce Submarines would provide all the nuclear reactor plants that will power new attack submarines as part of the tri-lateral agreement between Australia, the UK and US.

In Cardiff, Rolls-Royce Submarines is looking to attract people with a background in mechanical design, materials engineering, structural integrity analysis, thermal analysis and fluid dynamics. For Glasgow, the focus is on recruiting those with a pedigree in electrical controls and instrumentation and cyber security.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release may contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including expected delivery dates. Such statements are based on current expectations and projections about our future results, prospects and opportunities and are not guarantees of future performance. Such statements will not be updated unless required by law. Actual results and performance may differ materially from those expressed or forecasted in forward-looking statements due to a number of factors, including those discussed in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Hinterland Aviation picks Cessna Skycourier for fleet expansion

February 19, 2024 / WIL BALDWIN

Wichita, Kansas, January 19, 2024, Business Wire – Textron Aviation (NYSE: TXT) today announced a purchase agreement for the first Cessna SkyCourier passenger variant in Australia to regional airline Hinterland Aviation. The aircraft, expected to deliver in 2026, will add to Hinterland’s expansive fleet of Cessna Grand Caravans to provide a greater payload capacity and increased passenger seating. This fleet expansion will greatly benefit remote communities, as well as the tourism and business sectors in Queensland.

The Cessna SkyCourier is meticulously designed to deliver unparalleled performance, unwavering reliability and cost-effective maintenance. With the ability to be operated by a single pilot and a generous payload capacity, the SkyCourier is the ultimate solution for air freight, passenger and special mission needs. The aircraft is highly adaptable and can effortlessly adjust configurations to effectively complete any mission, ensuring a significant return on investment.

Forward-Looking Statements

Bonza launches Rockhampton sale with fares from $39

February 19, 2024 / WIL BALDWIN

Australia’s only independent low-cost carrier Bonza is celebrating its Rockhampton partnership with sale fares starting at $39 per person one way* so Rocky locals can explore more of Australia, for less.

The five-day sale starts today and ends on Monday, 19 February for travel between 16 April – 19 June to/from the Beef Capital to/from Cairns, Sunshine Coast, Gold Coast and Melbourne.

Travellers are encouraged to download the Fly Bonza app which is the only place to book direct.

*Prices quoted starting from $39pp Rockhampton to or from Cairns, Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast, and starting from $59pp Rockhampton to or from Melbourne (Tullamarine) are one way, per person, excluding checked bags and seat selection, via the Fly Bonza app paying by Bonza’s fee free payment option. Offer starts 08:00 AEST, 15 February 2024. Offer ends 23:59 AEST, 19 February 2024. For travel between 16 April and 19 June 2024, subject to availability. Discount applies to fare only, excluding bags, seats and payment fees. This offer cannot be used in conjunction with any other discount or promotional offer. We reserve the right to vary, modify or cancel this promotion at any time. Payment fees may apply. Conditions of Carriage apply.

Rockhampton, Queensland, Australia

AMSL Aero welcomes government support for vertiia aircraft to fight bushfires

February 19, 2024 / WIL BALDWIN

Sydney, Australia, February 19, 2024 – Australian zero emission aircraft designer and manufacturer AMSL Aero today welcomes the Australian Government’s move to back the development of its zero-emission aircraft Vertiia to fight bushfires autonomously in an effective, efficient way that keeps firefighters safer and enables nighttime firefighting.

AMSL Aero will use the A$3 million in funding from the Cooperative Research Centres’ Projects program to develop a remotely piloted version of Vertiia, the world’s most efficient long range zero emissions electric Vertical Take Off and Landing (VTOL) aircraft, that is capable of effectively spraying preventative fire retardant and dropping hundreds of litres of water.

AMSL Aero will work with its partners to develop a method of operating autonomous remotely piloted VTOLs for aerial firefighting, modify a prototype Vertiia for use as zero emissions low-cost firefighting aircraft, meet regulatory requirements, and test the aircraft in regional Australia. Its partners on the project are The University of Sydney, leading robotics company Mission Systems and Australian firefighting aviation operator Pay’s Air Service, which conducts firefighting operations in Australia and Europe every year, including in Greece, where it recently fought fires for NATO.

Emirates increasing flights to Brazil and Argentina starting in December

January 23, 2024 / WIL BALDWIN

Dubai, UAE, January 23, 2024 – Emirates has announced a fifth frequency on its Dubai – Rio de Janeiro route, starting on December 7, 2024. The additional weekly flight on Saturdays will provide increased capacity on its service to the Brazilian city and will support the growing demand for travel on the route. Additionally, the linked service allows travellers to conveniently travel onwards to the Argentinian capital city of Buenos Aires.

Emirates’ increase in capacity on its Dubai – Rio de Janeiro – Buenos Aires route will help the airline to meet market demand and offer customers greater flexibility, choice, and connectivity. With the fifth scheduled service, customers will now have more choice when selecting flights to suit their travel plans.

The additional weekly frequency between Dubai, Brazil and Argentina will operate as EK247 and EK248 in a 2-class configuration. Tickets can be booked immediately on emirates.com, the Emirates App, and travel agencies.

EK247 and EK248 is scheduled to operate with timings as follows (all times are local):

The airline’s boosted services to Brazil and Argentina are expected to facilitate additional connectivity for passengers travelling between these countries and other popular destinations in Emirates’ network including the UAE, Japan, Thailand, Maldives, Egypt, mainland China and Hong Kong, Turkey, South Korea, India, Australia and Indonesia. With Brazil and Argentina being home to the two largest Lebanese communities in Latin America, Emirates regularly serves customers travelling to and from Beirut. Furthermore, nationals of Brazil and Argentina can also enjoy the convenience of visa-free travel to Dubai, making it a popular destination for holidays and short stopovers.

Virgin Australia increasing regional network with Link Airways

January 21, 2024 / WIL BALDWIN

January 19, 2024 – Regional Australians are set to benefit under a new codeshare partnership with Link Airways that will increase Virgin Australia’s footprint in Australia from today by approximately 45%.

Seventeen new regional codeshare services operated by Link Airways, the equivalent of 90 flights per week, will be added to Virgin Australia’s domestic network under the partnership. The flights will go on sale today through Virgin Australia’s travel agency partners and will be available to book directly on the Virgin Australia website from March.

The partnership will also bring added benefits to Velocity Frequent Flyer’s almost 12 million members who will now be able to earn both Points and Status Credits on Virgin Australia codeshare services operated by Link Airways to some of the most important regional centres in the country. Velocity Platinum, Gold and Silver members will also earn bonus Points and receive an additional baggage allowance when travelling on any Virgin Australia codeshare service operated by Link Airways. Eligible Velocity members can also access Virgin Australia lounges when travelling on these Virgin Australia codeshare services.

Virgin Australia customers will now be able to travel seamlessly for the first time to 42 Australian destinations on a single booking (with through check-in and baggage transfer), including destinations such as Inverell, Wollongong and Biloela, which are not serviced by any other major airline.

New regional routes available as Virgin Australia codeshare (in both directions):

Brisbane <-> Coffs Harbour (BNE-CFS)
Brisbane <-> Bundaberg (BNE-BDB)
Brisbane <-> Biloela (BNE-ZBL)
Brisbane <-> Inverell (BNE-IVR)
Brisbane <-> Narrabri (BNE-NAA)
Brisbane <-> Dubbo (BNE-DBO)
Brisbane <-> Orange (BNE-OAG)
Brisbane <-> Tamworth (BNE-TMW)
Brisbane <-> Armidale (BNE-ARM)
Brisbane <-> Wollongong (BNE-WOL)
Sydney <-> Narrabri (SYD-NAA)
Sydney <-> Inverell (BNE-IVR)
Melbourne <-> Dubbo (MEL-DBO)
Melbourne <-> Orange (MEL-OAG)
Melbourne <-> Wollongong (MEL-WOL)
Canberra <-> Hobart (CBR-HBA)
Canberra <-> Newcastle (CBR-NTL)

Turkish Airlines adding new service to Melbourne, Australia

January 21, 2024 / WIL BALDWIN

Turkish Airlines, which consistently expands its unique flight network as one of the most significant cornerstones of its growth strategy, is strengthening this performance by adding Australia, a destination of considerable interest and long on its agenda, to its flight network.

The flag carrier, which will schedule 3 flights a week to Melbourne, its 346th destination in 130 countries starting from 15 March 2024, will thus contribute to the tourism and trade volumes of both countries by carrying thousands of visitors on the Istanbul – Melbourne route every year. With the flights relayed via Singapore, Turkish Airlines will also have the distinction of being the only European airline to currently operate flights to Melbourne Airport.

Supported by the Victorian Government and Melbourne Airport, the new route will connect Turkey with Australia’s largest Turkish community and one of largest trading centers of Victoria, fastest-growing state of the country.

QANTAS to fly from Darwin to Singapore

January 16, 2024 / WIL BALDWIN

Qantas has announced it is launching a second international route from Darwin, with direct flights from the Northern Territory to Singapore.

Commencing in December, the new Qantas flights will add more than 60,000 seats on the route each year and provide visitors to Australia with a convenient gateway to access to some iconic Top End experiences.

The flights will provide Territorians with a direct Qantas option to Singapore and also a seamless connection to London on QF1, as well as other destinations across Europe or Asia with partner airlines. Qantas customers travelling from Darwin will save around five hours in flying time by no longer having to fly via other Australian capital cities to get to London.

Starting on December 9, 2024, flights will initially operate five days per week with the dual-class Embraer E190 aircraft. Service will increasing to daily starting in March of 2025.* The new route has been made possible by the establishment of the E190 base at Darwin Airport, with the size, range and economics of the aircraft opening up routes that that wouldn’t be viable with larger aircraft, including the launch of international flights to Dili in 2022.

Rocket Lab to launch space situational awareness mission

January 8, 2024 / WIL BALDWIN

Long Beach, California. January 08, 2024 – Rocket Lab USA, Inc. (Nasdaq: RKLB), a global leader in launch services and space systems, today announced it has set the launch window for its first mission of 2024.

The ‘Four of a Kind’ mission is scheduled to launch no earlier than January 18 between 19:15-20:00 NZT (January 18 between 06:15-07:00 UTC) from Rocket Lab Launch Complex 1 in New Zealand. The mission will deploy four Space Situational Awareness (SSA) satellites for Spire Global, Inc’s (Spire) customer NorthStarEarth & Space (NorthStar). NorthStar´s satellites, built and operated by Spire, will be the first to simultaneously monitor all near-Earth orbits from space, delivering a radically enhanced level of SSA services to the global satellite community, with timely and precise information for space object detection, tracking, orbit determination, collision avoidance, navigation, and proximity alerts.

As a secondary mission, Rocket Lab will be attempting to splash down and retrieve Electron’s first stage as part of the Company’s plan to evolve Electron into a reusable rocket. After launch and stage separation, Electron’s first stage will return to Earth under a parachute and splash down in the Pacific Ocean several hundred kilometers down range from Launch Complex 1. Rocket Lab’s recovery vessel will extract the stage from the water for transportation back to Rocket Lab’s production complex where it will undergo detailed analysis. Rocket Lab is not launching any pre-flown engines as part of this mission.

Forward-Looking Statements

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