January 19
Airbus launched the new A380 airliner quoting 149 orders or commitments from 14 airlines - including Qantas - which is due to enter service next year
 
The "double-decker" super-jumbo 4-engine jet will seat up to 555 passengers in a mixed class or more than 800 passengers in an all-economy layout
 
In Sydney the current facilities need upgrading and $54 million of construction work has begun in order to accommodate the large influx of passengers expected for each arrival or departure

January 21
Two PC-9 aircraft of the RAAF crack formation aerobatic team - the Roulettes - have collided near the East Sale RAAF base
 
Roulette 5 had just completed a barrel roll and was rejoining the formation when the collision occurred
 
A witness said "..it was a huge relief to see the pilot parachuting down while his plane was in flames below ...I put my arms around him and gave him a hug"
 
The pilot sustained back injury from the ejection