It’s a busy news week with lots happening so this week’s OzDesk is going to be longer than normal. Hopefully the Geeks will forgive us as it’s important aviation news from Down Under.
- Qantas is increasing their fuel surcharges due to increasing fuel costs but are also increasing their base airfares for exactly the same reason. Double dipping anyone?
- Air New Zealand has introduced their newest A320 in an overall black colour scheme to support the All Blacks rugby union team. Oh, it’s also got a pico-cell on board so you can send texts and make calls while in flight … if you can afford it.
- Rolls Royce are disagreeing with Qantas over the amount they have to pay in damages due to the recent QF32 catastrophic engine failure on A380 VH-OQA.
- Meanwhile, Qantas is installing a second CAE 7000 series A380 simulator.
- A RAAF PC-9 aborted its take off in Perth with flames being seen from the engine, leading to a suspension of flight operations.
- The Australian and International Pilots Association, the union for Qantas pilots, is talking about invoking industrial action due to pilots perceived lack of job security as more & more pilot jobs are being given to Jetstar, Jetstar Asia and the New Zealand based JetConnect.
To wind up the episode, the boys present a few audio grabs from recent interviews with reps from Qantas and the AIPA plus provide their opinions on the whole dispute.
PS: We have a blooper for this episode which you can play via the player below:
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