First Skytrans A319 delayed to next month

Despite media reports of smoke in the flight deck of VH-UJK “Sheila” (pictured) as it operated flight AB570 from Avalon on Tuesday, a Bonza spokesperson has told Australian Aviation that the two pilots only reported an unusual odour and were unharmed.

The former Transport Minister also praised the regional carrier and said it was brave to launch capital city jet services against Qantas and Virgin.

The free bookings, which were announced as Rex went into administration on 31 July, are enough to fill around 715 737-800s at full capacity, with 30,000 of the rebooked flights having already been taken.