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Podcast #48: 747 Enthusiast Builds Flight Simulator in Garage

Think you’re a fan of the Boeing 747? You haven’t met Andrew Newnham yet… Many Australians have used the coronavirus lockdown to work on projects around the house. Canberra-based Andrew Newnham (whose AFF handle is harvyk) is no exception. But instead of reseeding his lawn, installing a new kitchen or painting the house, Andrew decided to … Continued

31 Oct 2020 AFF on Air Podcast

Aviation Enthusiast Builds 747 Flight Simulator in Garage – AIR048

  Many Australians have used the travel downturn to work on projects around the house. Canberra-based Andrew Newnham, whose AFF handle is harvyk, is no exception. But instead of reseeding his lawn, installing a new kitchen or painting the house, Andrew decided to build a life-size Boeing 747 flight simulator in his garage! In this … Continued

31 Oct 2020 AFF on Air (blubrry)

Qantas Launches “First Class at Home” Kits, More Scenic Flights

With the resumption of international flights sadly still a long way off, Qantas is once again clearing out its excess supplies of Business and First Class wine, pyjamas, amenity kits, slippers and almonds. If you’re missing flying, you’ll be able to buy one of the premium “Business and First Class experience at home” care kits … Continued

30 Oct 2020 Qantas

Hilton Further Extends Status Until 2022

The Hilton Honors loyalty program will extend the status of all members until 31 March 2022, as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to impact members’ ability to travel. Hilton already extended the status of all members for one year in March 2020. Now, it’s announced that all elite members will keep their status benefits for a … Continued

29 Oct 2020 Hilton Honors

Velocity Frequent Flyer Valuation Slashed By Two-Thirds

The equity value of Virgin Australia’s Velocity Frequent Flyer loyalty program has been slashed by two-thirds in just a year, according to an independent report commissioned by Virgin’s administrators and presented to the federal court. In the report, FTI Consulting valued Virgin’s loyalty business at between $640 million and $704 million. That’s compared to a … Continued

29 Oct 2020 Virgin Australia

Qatar’s Reputation Takes Huge Hit After Invasive Searches

Qatar Airways’ reputation has taken an enormous hit, with many Australians vowing never to fly through Qatar again, following shocking reports that women were subjected to human rights violations while transiting at Doha’s Hamad International Airport. Women on around 10 flights, including 13 Australians on QR908 to Sydney on 2 October 2020, were forcibly subjected … Continued

29 Oct 2020 Qatar Airways

More Domestic Flights as Tasmania Reopens Border

Qantas, Jetstar and Virgin Australia have all announced the resumption of new domestic routes as Tasmania opens its borders again to most of the country for the first time since March. Tasmania reopened its border on Monday to travellers from Queensland, SA, NT, WA and ACT. People arriving from these states and territories no longer … Continued

28 Oct 2020 Airlines, Miles and Points

Virgin Australia Flight Credits Useless to Overseas Residents

More than 300,000 Virgin Australia customers have now received Future Flight credits for cancelled flights. But many Virgin customers have complained they would have preferred a refund. This is especially the case for customers that had purchased expensive international business class tickets, and now have Future Flight credits worth thousands of dollars that can only … Continued

28 Oct 2020 Virgin Australia

The Boeing 737 MAX Will Soon Return to Service

Almost two years since the Boeing 737 MAX was grounded globally, Boeing is now in the final stages of getting the aircraft type recertified. But it could be a while yet before we see the troubled airliners flying in Australian skies – and when they do, the aircraft will probably have a different name. A … Continued

26 Oct 2020 Airlines, Miles and Points

Change & Cancellation Fee Waivers for Qantas, Jetstar & Virgin Australia

Qantas, Jetstar and Virgin Australia have been waiving change fees on new bookings since early 2020. This is designed to give people confidence to book new flights despite borders continuously opening and closing during the COVID-19 pandemic. In some cases, particularly for reward bookings made using frequent flyer points, Australia’s airlines have even been offering … Continued

25 Oct 2020 Coronavirus and Travel

Qantas Flags New Destinations, Further Cost Cuts

Qantas has foreshadowed the possibility of launching flights to South Korea, Taiwan and the Pacific Islands by early next year at yesterday’s Annual General Meeting. It comes as Qantas flags further cost cutting and lashes out at some states for keeping borders closed against health advice. Qantas eyes new markets as borders remain closed At … Continued

24 Oct 2020 Qantas

Many Surprising New Domestic Routes Launching

Although international travel may remain off the cards for a while longer, Australian airlines have been launching a surprising number of new domestic routes lately. Many of these new routes are on smaller regional airlines like FlyPelican, Link Airways or Alliance Airlines. The new routes launched in Australia over recent months have taken advantage of … Continued

23 Oct 2020 Rex & Regional Airlines