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Aviation

Communication is key when it comes to aviation safety.

‘Flying skill’ is ranked low on what makes a good pilot. Here’s why

As the Boeing 727 roared too fast and too high down its final approach into Alaska in April 1976, the first officer tried to warn the captain they had a problem.

  • The Secret Pilot
Emirates, along with other Gulf carriers, have resumed some flights to and from Australia and on to Europe.

Gulf flights are back, but don’t book or cancel before reading this

From rerouted flight paths to refund policies and rising fares, here is what you need to know about the current air travel disruptions.

  • Michael Gebicki
The lie-flat seat is OK on length, but not much wider than a standard economy seat.

This business class has one of the worst seats – and one of the best meals

I’m channelling my inner Cher as I step aboard, turning back time to see a dated business class seating layout.

  • Chris Chamberlin
The luxurious business cabin on an Emirates A380.

The 81-year-old agreement that can get you cheaper business class flights

Flying particular routes with some airlines can save you thousands of dollars on fares or give you a chance to get better value from your frequent flyer points.

  • Michael Gebicki
The Antonov An-225 Mriya was capable of transporting up to 250 tonnes of cargo, twice as much as a Boeing 747 freighter.

Eight of the strangest aviation projects of all time

Most aviation engineers these days play it safe – which might be why planes haven’t changed much in 60 years. But here are a few designs that broke the mould.

  • Chris Moss
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The cabin is in a 3-4-3 layout.

A bored superjumbo crew lets down this normally excellent airline

The economy-class food and entertainment are great, but kids playing by the toilets and disengaged staff lower its marks.

  • Jenny Hewett
United Airlines plan to phase out its Boeing 757-300s by next year.

The most unusual planes airlines are still flying

From “the flying pencil” to four-engined beasts, these rare planes can still be flown by passengers in certain parts of the world – including Australia.

  • Chris Moss
Flight diversions happen for various reasons and passengers can end up at an unexpected airport.

‘Land ASAP’: The three key reasons your flight can get diverted

It’s always better to be on the ground wishing you were in the air, than be in the air wishing you were on the ground.

  • The Secret Pilot
Without breaking the Qantas Group and Virgin Australia duopoly, airfares on Australia’s busiest route are unlikely to fall.

World’s busiest airline routes named (and why Australia’s is so expensive)

The Melbourne-Sydney route remains one of the busiest in the world, with almost 9 million seats in 2025.

  • Michael Gebicki
The gargantuan A380 promised a new era of super-sized aviation.

How the world’s most popular long-haul aircraft compare

The six airborne giants analysed here – the biggest workhorses of the industry – are the most impressive planes in the sky.

  • Chris Leadbeater