Qantas will end Airbus A380 flights between Melbourne and Los Angeles effective October 24, 2026, replacing the superjumbo with the smaller, more fuel-efficient Boeing 787-9 on the transpacific route. This year, Melbourne will record its highest number of A380 departures since the pandemic, driven by Qantas, Emirates, and Singapore Airlines, despite the Qantas route change.
Australian actress Samara Weaving has reportedly been cast as Emma Frost, the iconic White Queen, in Marvel Studios' upcoming X-Men reboot. Director Jake Schreier and Marvel President Kevin Feige chose Weaving after an extensive summer search for the role, with the project expected to feature prominently at Disney's D23 event next month.
HSBC has announced it will close all 19 Australian branches and exit retail banking after nearly 40 years, selling its $36 billion mortgage and personal loan portfolio to US private equity giant Blackstone. The London-based bank will retain corporate, institutional, and private banking operations in Australia but phase out retail products over 18 months.
Domino's Pizza has reported a $300 million annual loss and closed 29 stores in Australia and New Zealand as part of a major strategic pivot. The fast-food giant is abandoning its famous $5 pizza deals and heavy discounting to protect franchise profitability. Investors have responded positively, with shares jumping 9%.