Advertise with us
DOWNUNDERVOICESAustralia · New Zealand · World
Back to Australia
Australia

12 August 2026

Mannequins and dry ice: chief pilot spills on Qantas’ longest flight

Downunder Voices Newsroom

FacebookEmail
Mannequins and dry ice: chief pilot spills on Qantas’ longest flight

Millions watched online as Airbus test pilot Chetan Takalkar led the 19-hour flight for Qantas’ A350. The Melbourne pilot credits the Air Force Cadets with inspiring his flying career.

About this report

This article contains independently written commentary and community perspective from Downunder Voices.

Join our community

Follow Downunder Voices

Join thousands of readers following news and community stories from Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific.

Follow on FacebookSubmit your story

More from Australia

View category

Read Next

View latest
Arabian Drilling sees offshore recovery as suspended rigs returnTrade & Logistics

12 August 2026

Arabian Drilling sees offshore recovery as suspended rigs return

The largest onshore and offshore drilling company in Saudi Arabia by fleet size, Arabian Drilling, has received notice of resumption of operations for the remaining suspended offshore rigs. The company stated that the resumption of operations for these rigs reflects the continued recovery in offshore market activity and is expected to result in Arabian Drilling’s …

Source: Splash247Original source
TechnipFMC secures subsea contract for Angola oil projectTrade & Logistics

12 August 2026

TechnipFMC secures subsea contract for Angola oil project

Offshore contracting giant TechnipFMC has been awarded a contract by Azule Energy to supply flexible flowlines and risers for the West Hub Tails project, an extension of the Agogo Integrated Development. Under this award, TechnipFMC will design and manufacture flexible flowlines, risers, and associated equipment to accommodate all production from the West Hub area for …

Source: Splash247Original source
Cadeler expands offshore wind offering with $578m Menck acquisitionTrade & Logistics

12 August 2026

Cadeler expands offshore wind offering with $578m Menck acquisition

Offshore wind vessel heavyweight Cadeler has acquired German company Menck, a provider of specialist equipment and technology solutions for offshore foundation installation. Cadeler intends to continue operating Menck as a standalone business, preserving its independent market position. The transaction is based on an agreed enterprise valuation equivalent to €501m ($578m), with signing and closing completed …

Source: Splash247Original source
Borr Drilling adds 2,100 days of new rig workSports

12 August 2026

Borr Drilling adds 2,100 days of new rig work

Tor Olav Trøim-backed jackup rig player Borr Drilling has picked up new contracts and extensions for seven of its units. In Southeast Asia, the 2013-built Idun received two separate awards. It won a one-well contract with an undisclosed operator in Vietnam, which commenced last month and has an estimated duration of 60 days. Idun also …

Source: Splash247Original source