WEEKLY REVIEW: Sunday 28 June, 2026

Hello travellers,

Well, I’m in Sydney, but not quite home yet. If you have ever had a renovation done, you will understand.

I have spent the last week at a Meriton Suites in central Sydney. It’s been a mixed experience. Living in central Sydney has some great advantages, especially on the edge of Chinatown. But Meriton Suites have their downsides.

What happened last week?

We know more about Project Sunrise’s initial flights and the introduction of Economy Plus, and unfortunately, economy minus with reduced seat pitch on some seats.

It’s also rumoured that the A380 superjumbos might be retired earlier than expected. At least one of them has also been caught in a wing strut issue that requires inspection.

Virgin Australia has started direct flights between Canberra and Bali. 

Next week

Well, I’m actually home, home now. So once the dust has literally settled and been cleaned away, it will feel like home again, except with a repaired bathroom.

I have a lot to report from the trip to Canada, and I hope to start rolling it out next week.

In the meantime, check your travel insurance is up to date, keep up your vaccinations, and travel safely.

Until next week . . .

Stephen

QANTAS: A380 caught in global wing-crack inspection order

By 2paxfly on 24 Jun 2026 7:14 am

One Qantas Airbus A380 is among 16 superjumbos worldwide caught up in an urgent inspection program. Inspections were called for after cracks were found in a critical internal wing structure, as reported by the SMH. Europe’s aviation safety regulator, EASA (European Union Aviation Safety Agency), issued an Emergency Airworthiness Directive on 22 June covering selected […] Read in browser »

QANTAS: Adds Economy Plus to Project Sunrise, but other seats will be Economy Minus

By 2paxfly on 23 Jun 2026 6:37 pm

Qantas has previously promised to provide Economy passengers with greater legroom befitting these ultra-long Project Sunrise flights. Like the politicians it seeks to influence through its invitation, Chairman’s Lounge makes promises it doesn’t keep. A standard 33-inch pitch in Economy is one of those. Forthcoming non-stop flights from Sydney to London and New York will […] Read in browser »

VIRGIN AUSTRALIA: New Canberra direct to Bali flights

By 2paxfly on 23 Jun 2026 4:04 pm

These flights began on 22 July, so Canberrans can choose not to drive to Sydney Airport to make the domestic connection. Instead, they can fly direct from Canberra Airport to Denpasar in Bali. The new service is a meaningful win for travellers across the ACT, including residents of Batemans Bay, Bega, Cooma, Jindabyne and Merimbula. […] Read in browser »

QANTAS: Routes for Project Sunrise A350 before it heads to London

By 2paxfly on 23 Jun 2026 11:32 am

Qantas’ first Project Sunrise Airbus A350-1000ULR is due to arrive in April 2027, but the airline will be flying it around on domestic and short-haul international routes before that. Might be a chance to get a partial experience without the 20% premium on the Sydney to London route. ET is reporting that the new aircraft […] Read in browser »

QANTAS: A380 retirement to be brought forward?

By 2paxfly on 22 Jun 2026 9:15 am

Qantas may be preparing to bring forward the retirement of its Airbus A380 fleet, despite only completing the expensive restoration of all ten surviving superjumbos late last year. That is the central claim in a Rampart report by Joe Aston (paywall article), written after last week’s Qantas investor and media briefing in Toulouse. Aston says […] Read in browser »

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