The Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) has negotiated a short-term training arrangement with Virgin Blue to familiarise pilots with Boeing 737-700 operations ahead of the delivery of its Boeing Business Jets (BBJs) in the middle of this year.
Two RAAF BBJ pilots have been transferred to Virgin Blue for up to eight weeks to fly as co-pilots on regular commercial services. Virgin Blue is supporting the training voluntarily.
The RAAF ordered two BBJs and three Bombardier Challenger 604s early last year through a lease arrangement with Qantas and the Australian Westpac banking group. The aircraft will replace its special-purpose fleet comprising five Dassault Falcon 900s. Challenger deliveries are expected to begin late this year.
Italian charter operator Blue Panorama has leased an ex-Lauda Air Boeing 737-400 for two years for corporate charters.Source: Flight International
